Which compounds are primarily responsible for the production of acid rain?

Acid rain primarily results from the presence of sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere. These compounds are produced by various sources, including industrial processes and vehicle emissions.

When SOx and NOx are released into the atmosphere, they undergo chemical reactions with water vapor, oxygen, and other trace chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then mix with rainwater, leading to precipitation that is more acidic than normal rainwater. This process significantly impacts the environment, harming ecosystems, damaging buildings, and affecting water sources.

The other combinations of compounds mentioned do not contribute significantly to acid rain. For instance, while carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas and does lead to environmental issues such as ocean acidification, it does not cause acid rain to the same extent that SOx and NOx do. Methane, although it is a potent greenhouse gas as well, does not play a role in the formation of acid rain either. Thus, the presence of NOx and SOx is the key factor in the production of acid rain, making this choice the most accurate.