Q26 / 155 · WBJEE 2018 · Chemistry

Which of the following is present in maximum amount in 'acid rain'?

  • A
    $\mathrm{HNO}_{3}$
  • Correct answer
    B
    $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}$
  • C
    HCI
  • D
    $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}$

Solution

$\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}$ (sulphuric acid) is present in maximu $\mathrm{h}_{4}$ amount in 'acid rain'. Oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, released into the atmosphere from industries and automobiles thermal power plants, are the miain sources of acid rain. These oxides on oxidation followed by hydrolysis give sulphuric acid and nitric acid that alongwith $\mathrm{HCl}$ are responsible for the acidity of rain. The oxidation reaction is catalysed by particulate matter present in the polluted atmosphere. $2 \mathrm{SO}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{O}_{2}(g)+2 \mathrm{H}, \mathrm{O}(l) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}(a q)$ $4 \mathrm{NO}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{O}_{2}(g)+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\left(h \longrightarrow 4 \mathrm{HNO}_{3}(a q)\right.$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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