Acid rain is caused by the oxides of

Options

A. Carbon
B. Nitrogen only
C. sulphur only
D. sulphur and nitrogen

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Acid Rain**: Acid rain refers to any precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) that has a pH level lower than 5.6. It is primarily caused by the presence of certain pollutants in the atmosphere.

2. **Identifying the Pollutants**: The main pollutants that lead to acid rain are oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. When these oxides are released into the atmosphere, they can react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃).

3. **Sources of Sulfur Oxides**: Sulfur oxides (SO₂ and SO₃) are primarily produced from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, in power plants and industrial processes.

4. **Sources of Nitrogen Oxides**: Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO₂) are produced from vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and combustion of fossil fuels at high temperatures.

5. **Formation of Acid Rain**: When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, they undergo chemical reactions with water vapor, resulting in the formation of acids. These acids mix with rainwater and fall to the ground, causing acid rain.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the oxides responsible for acid rain are primarily those of sulfur and nitrogen.

**Final Answer**: Acid rain is caused by the oxides of sulfur and nitrogen.

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