Which compound contribute(s) to acid rain?

Options

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Sulphur and nitrogen oxides
C. Mercury oxides
D. Phosphates

Explanation

To answer the question "Which compound contribute(s) to acid rain?", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Acid Rain**: Acid rain refers to rainwater that has a lower pH than normal, making it acidic. This phenomenon is primarily caused by certain compounds that enter the atmosphere and react with water.

2. **Identifying the Compounds**: The question provides four options:
- Carbon Dioxide
- Sulphur and Nitrogen Oxides
- Mercury Oxides
- Phosphatase

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Carbon Dioxide**: While it is a greenhouse gas and can form carbonic acid when dissolved in water, it is not a primary contributor to acid rain.
- **Sulphur and Nitrogen Oxides**: These compounds are significant contributors to acid rain. When fossil fuels are burned, they release sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) into the atmosphere. These gases can react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃), leading to acid rain.
- **Mercury Oxides**: These are not directly related to acid rain formation.
- **Phosphatase**: This is an enzyme and does not contribute to acid rain.

4. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is **Sulphur and Nitrogen Oxides**, as they are responsible for the formation of acids in rainwater.

### Final Answer:
The compounds that contribute to acid rain are **Sulphur and Nitrogen Oxides**.

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