The acid rains destroys vegetation because it contains

Options

A. nitrates
B. `H_(2)SO_(4)`
C. `O_(3)`
D. `CO`

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Acid Rain**: Acid rain is a type of precipitation that is significantly more acidic than normal rainwater. Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6, which is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

2. **Formation of Acid Rain**: Acid rain is primarily formed when pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the atmosphere. These pollutants can come from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels.

3. **Chemical Reactions**: When these gases mix with water vapor in the atmosphere, they undergo chemical reactions. For instance, sulfur dioxide can react with oxygen and water to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Similarly, nitrogen oxides can lead to the formation of nitric acid (HNO3).

4. **Impact on Vegetation**: The presence of sulfuric acid in rainwater lowers the pH of the rain, making it more acidic. This acidic rain can harm vegetation by leaching essential nutrients from the soil, damaging leaves, and affecting the overall health of plants. Acid rain can also lead to soil degradation and negatively impact water bodies.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the reason acid rain destroys vegetation is that it contains sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is a result of the reaction between pollutants and rainwater.

**Final Answer**: Acid rain destroys vegetation because it contains sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

---