Question

Which is the best description of how burning coal contributes to acid rain?

		During the process of burning coal, acids are released into the atmosphere and are precipitated during rain storms.
		During the process of burning coal, nonmetal oxides are produced which react with the moisture in our atmosphere and sometimes the oxygen as well to produce acid rain.
		By-products of coal fired power plants include metal oxides which combine with the moisture in our atmosphere to produce acid rain.
		The salts in the coal react with the bases in the coal to produce materials that are slightly acidic. When these materials are then released to the atmosphere they combine with the moisture to produce acid rain.

Answer 1

b.) During the process of burning coal, nonmetal oxides are produced which react with the moisture in our atmosphere and sometimes the oxygen as well to produce acid rain.

When coal is burned the sulfur combines with oxygen and the sulfur oxides are released to the atmosphere. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) becomes sulfur trioxide (SO₃) when reacting with oxygen in the air. This reacts with water molecules in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid that makes rain acidic.