What two major acids are involved in acid deposition? Where does each come from?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The two major acids involved in acid deposition are sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Sulfuric acid is predominantly produced by fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities, including smelting industries. Nitric acid comes from nitrogen oxides formed during high temperature combustion processes, such as in vehicles and power plants.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the major acids

The major acids involved in acid deposition are sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3).
02

Identify the source of sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid comes from sulfur dioxide (SO2), which is produced predominantly by fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities, as well as by extraction industries like smelting.
03

Identify the source of nitric acid

Nitric acid comes from nitrogen oxides (NOx). These are produced by high temperature combustion processes, notably in vehicles and power plants.

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