Problem 3 - 43 Years JEE ADVANCED (1978-2020) + JEE MAIN Chapterwise & Topicwise Solved Papers Chemistry

Question

The incorrect statement(s) among (1) - (4) regarding acid rain is (are) : (1) It can corrode water pipes. (2) It can damage structures made up of stone. (3) It cannot cause respiratory ailments in animals (4) It is not harmful for trees (a) (1), (3) and (4) (b) (3) only (c) (1), (2) and (4) (d) (3) and (4)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (d) (3) and (4).

Step 1: Understanding the Impact of Acid Rain

Acid rain is known to have several harmful effects on the environment as well as human-made structures. It can corrode materials such as metals, including water pipes, which means statement (1) is true. Acid rain is also capable of damaging structures, such as those made of stone, due to chemical reactions with the minerals, which makes statement (2) true.

Step 2: Effect on Health and Vegetation

Statement (3) claims acid rain cannot cause respiratory ailments in animals, which is incorrect. Acid rain can lead to respiratory issues in animals and humans due to the acidic components, including sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. Hence, statement (3) is false. Furthermore, statement (4) suggests acid rain is not harmful to trees, which is also incorrect since acid rain can damage trees by leaching important nutrients from the soil and directly damaging leaves and bark.

Step 3: Identifying the Incorrect Statements

From the analysis above, statements (3) and (4) are incorrect. Statement (3) is incorrect due to its potential to cause respiratory ailments, and statement (4) is incorrect given its harmful effects on trees.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Option

Among the options provided, the one that lists statements (3) and (4) as incorrect is option (d). This aligns with our analysis that only these statements are false regarding the effects of acid rain.

Key Concepts

Environmental Impact

Acid rain is a significant environmental issue caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) that react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then mix with rain, snow, or fog, leading to what's known as acid precipitation. Acid rain can drastically alter ecosystems and the environment in various ways:

• Acid rain can lower the pH of soil and water bodies, making the environment harmful to various forms of life.
• It washes away essential nutrients and minerals from the soil, affecting plant life and disrupting food chains.
• Acidified lakes and streams can lead to loss of aquatic life, diminishing biodiversity and altering ecosystems.
• Damage is not only limited to the natural environment but also affects human-made structures and even human health indirectly.

Overall, acid rain is a pervasive environmental pollutant that can lead to widespread ecological damage if not managed properly.

Corrosion of Materials

Materials, especially those used in building infrastructure, are highly vulnerable to acid rain. Structures made of limestone, marble, and other stone materials are particularly susceptible due to chemical reactions that occur on their surfaces when exposed to acidic precipitation.

• Acid rain can cause the dissolution of calcium carbonate, which is the main component of stone structures, leaving them weakened and eroded.
• Metal structures and pipes can also corrode over time when exposed to acid rain. This process can lead to significant infrastructure damage.
• The corrosive effects can result in costly repairs and deterioration of historical monuments and culturally important structures.

In summary, acid rain poses a considerable threat to our infrastructure and cultural heritage by increasing the rate of material degradation.

Respiratory Health Effects

Acid rain not only affects the environment but can also have serious implications for respiratory health. The pollutants that cause acid rain, such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), are harmful when inhaled.

• These pollutants can contribute to the formation of fine particulate matter, which is linked to breathing problems, such as asthma and bronchitis.
• Animals and humans living in areas with frequent acid rain exposure are at risk of developing chronic respiratory issues.
• The health risks can be exacerbated in urban areas, where air pollution is generally higher.

Thus, addressing the pollutants responsible for acid rain is crucial to protect respiratory health and improve air quality.

Vegetation Damage

The impact of acid rain on vegetation is multifaceted, affecting both plant structure and soil health. Trees and crops can suffer extensive damage from acidic precipitation.

• Acid rain can leach essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium from the soil, depleting the resources plants need for growth.
• Additionally, acid rain can directly harm plant leaves and bark, impairing photosynthesis and plant respiration.
• As a consequence, plants become more susceptible to disease, harsh weather, and environmental stress.

Overall, acid rain presents a serious threat to vegetation, impacting food security and the health of natural ecosystems.