Download Acid Rain Alternate Research Project File

The Effects of Acid Rain
Acid rain has a pH value between pH 5.5 and pH 2 – in some cases, the rain is as acidic
as vinegar! The acidity of the rain depends upon the amount of acidic gases dissolved
in it. Some areas of the country, and even some countries around the world, will have
a bigger problem than others.
When acid rain reaches streams and lakes, it makes them acidic. This may kill the
water life, including any fish.
When acid rain falls on the ground, it soaks into the soil and reacts with the minerals
in the soil. This may prevent plants from taking up minerals such as iron, zinc and
magnesium which they need for healthy growth. As a result, plants and even wellestablished trees may die.
When acid rain falls directly onto plants, it may damage new shoots and leaves. This
also prevents the plant from growing.
When acid rain falls on buildings and other structures it also causes damage. The acid
rain reacts with any carbonates contained in the rocks used for building. Acid rain
also corrodes metals such as iron, weakening bridges and other large structures.
Choose Task A or Task B:
A
B
Choose one of the effects of acid rain listed above, and research it in more
detail. When you have researched your chosen effect of acid rain, produce a
three-minute talk to tell another person of your age about your findings.
Present your talk to your class, or another group of pupils.
Produce a leaflet to explain the effects of acid rain. You should consider each of
the effects in turn, explaining why it is important that the production of acidic
gases should be reduced.
[ knowledge, research ]