AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Acid Rain
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
Define acidification in the context of acid deposition.
Acidification is the process where soils and bodies of water become more acidic as a result of acid deposition.
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Define acidification in the context of acid deposition.
Acidification is the process where soils and bodies of water become more acidic as a result of acid deposition.
What is acid deposition?
Acid deposition is caused by nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides from anthropogenic and natural sources in the atmosphere, which then fall to the earth.
Besides natural sources, what is the other major category of sources for the pollutants that cause acid rain?
Anthropogenic (human-caused) activities, such as operating motor vehicles and coal-burning power plants, are major sources of these pollutants.
Identify the two main anthropogenic sources of nitric oxides (NOx).
Nitric oxides (NOx) primarily come from motor vehicles and coal-burning power plants.
An industrial city relies heavily on coal-fired power plants. Which specific precursor to acid rain would be a primary concern?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) would be a primary concern, as it comes from coal-burning power plants.
What determines the severity of acid deposition's impact on a specific region?
Regional differences in soils and bedrock composition affect the impact that acid deposition has on the region.
How does limestone bedrock in a region affect the impact of acid deposition?
Limestone bedrock can neutralize acid deposition, thus reducing its impact on the region's soils and water.
What are two major environmental effects of acid deposition?
Acid deposition can lead to the acidification of soils and bodies of water.
What are the two primary chemical precursors to acid rain mentioned in the text?
The primary precursors to acid rain are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) from various sources in the atmosphere.
How does acid deposition impact human-made structures?
Acid deposition can cause the corrosion of human-made structures.
What is the main anthropogenic source of sulfur dioxide (SO2)?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) mainly comes from coal-burning power plants.