Question

A. Reaction with what gas in the atmosphere makes natural rain water slightly acidic? (2 points)
B. Describe the chemical reactions that occur to change sulfur to sulfuric acid. (2 points)
C. How much more acidic is acid rain water with a pH of 2 than unpolluted rainwater with a pH of 6? Use your knowledge of pH (not the information provided in this article) and show your work. (2 points)

Answer 1

Answer:

See explanation

Explanation:

On the pH scale acidity ranges from pH values of 0-6.9. Natural rain water is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which is an anhydride of carbonic acid.

CO2(g) + H2O(l) -------> H2CO3(aq)

B. The equations that turn sulfur to sulfuric acid are;

S(l) + O2(g) -----> SO2(g)

2SO2(l) + O2(g) -----> 2SO3(g)

SO3(g) + H2SO4(l) -----> H2S2O7(l)

H2S2O7(l) + H2O(l) ----> 2H2SO4(l)

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At pH 6, H^+ concentration = 1 * 10^-6 M

At pH 2, H^+ concentration = 1 * 10^-2 M

Hence;

1 * 10^-2/1 * 10^-6

= 10^4 times more acidic