Photo AI
The Earth's human population is now estimated at 7 billion (7 x 10^9) and is expected to increase to between 8.3 and 10.9 billion by 2050 - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question e - 2014
Question e
The Earth's human population is now estimated at 7 billion (7 x 10^9) and is expected to increase to between 8.3 and 10.9 billion by 2050. Rising levels of air pollu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Earth's human population is now estimated at 7 billion (7 x 10^9) and is expected to increase to between 8.3 and 10.9 billion by 2050 - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question e - 2014
Step 1
Why is rainwater always acidic, even when there is no air pollution?
Answer
Rainwater is always slightly acidic due to the presence of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. When carbon dioxide reacts with water, it forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), giving rainwater its natural acidity.
Step 2
Outline two damaging effects of 'acid rain' on the environment.
Answer
- Acid rain can damage trees by leaching essential nutrients from the soil, weakening the trees and making them more susceptible to disease.
- It can also cause corrosion and damage to limestone buildings and monuments, as the acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in the stone, leading to deterioration.
Step 3
Show, by means of equations, how sulfur dioxide pollution in the atmosphere results in 'acid rain'.
Answer
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) reacts with water (H₂O) to form sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃):
ightarrow H₂SO₃$$ In the presence of oxygen, sulfurous acid can further oxidize to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄): $$SO₂ + rac{1}{2} O₂ + H₂O ightarrow H₂SO₄$$Step 4
How does human activity contribute to increasing sulfur dioxide levels in the atmosphere?
Answer
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, etc.) and waste incineration significantly contribute to increased sulfur dioxide levels as they release large amounts of SO₂ into the atmosphere.
Step 5