SOx acid rain source

SOx acid rain source

• A. Volcanic activity
• B. Coal-burning power plants
• C. Vehicles
• D. Natural gas leaks

Answer: (B)

When sulfur oxides drive acid rain, the important point is that sulfur-containing fuels release sulfur dioxide when burned. Coal-burning power plants are a major source because coal has a relatively high sulfur content and these plants emit large volumes of SO2. In the atmosphere, SO2 is oxidized to sulfur trioxide and then reacts with water to form sulfuric acid, which falls as acid rain. Vehicles do contribute some SOx, but their total impact is usually smaller than that from large coal-fired power plants. Natural gas leaks release little sulfur oxides because natural gas has low sulfur content, and volcanic activity, while it can emit SO2, is not the steady, dominant source in most regions.

When sulfur oxides drive acid rain, the important point is that sulfur-containing fuels release sulfur dioxide when burned. Coal-burning power plants are a major source because coal has a relatively high sulfur content and these plants emit large volumes of SO2. In the atmosphere, SO2 is oxidized to sulfur trioxide and then reacts with water to form sulfuric acid, which falls as acid rain. Vehicles do contribute some SOx, but their total impact is usually smaller than that from large coal-fired power plants. Natural gas leaks release little sulfur oxides because natural gas has low sulfur content, and volcanic activity, while it can emit SO2, is not the steady, dominant source in most regions.