Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide dissolves in rainwater. State the source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere and describe two harmful effects of acid rain on the environment.

Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 10.3 Air quality and climate · State and Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Sulphur dioxide is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil in power stations.

Acid rain:
1. Damages vegetation – it kills trees, causes leaves to fall and generally harms plant life.
2. Corrodes buildings and monuments – it attacks limestone, marble and metal structures, leading to erosion of statues and historic buildings.

Examiner tips

  • State the source in one clear sentence; then give two separate harmful effects, each in its own sentence.
  • Use the exact terminology from the mark scheme (e.g., ‘damages vegetation’, ‘corrodes buildings’).
  • Keep the answer concise – one sentence per point.

Common mistakes

  • Using vague terms like ‘pollution’ instead of ‘combustion of fossil fuels’ for the source.
  • Failing to mention both vegetation damage and building corrosion, or combining them into one sentence.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Sulfur dioxide is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels (containing sulfur impurities) / burning of coal or oil in power stations
  2. Acid rain damages/kills trees / causes leaves to fall / harms vegetation
  3. Acid rain makes lakes and rivers more acidic, killing aquatic life / fish
  4. Acid rain corrodes/damages buildings, statues or metallic structures (especially those made of limestone/marble/metals)

Key terms in this question

acid rain · sulfur dioxide

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