Explain how burning fossil fuels that contain sulfur impurities can lead to damage to trees and buildings.

Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 8.2 Earth and atmospheric science · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Fossil fuels such as coal and oil are burned in large quantities around the world to generate electricity and provide heat. These fuels often contain sulfur impurities.

Model answer (4 marks)

Burning fossil fuels that contain sulfur releases sulphur dioxide (SO₂) into the atmosphere.
SO₂ reacts with water vapour in clouds to form sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), producing acid rain.
When acid rain falls on trees it lowers the pH of the soil and leaches essential nutrients, damaging or killing the trees.
Acid rain also reacts with the stone or metal of buildings, corroding the material and causing structural damage.

Examiner tips

Show the sequence: fuel → SO₂ → acid rain → damage to trees and buildings
Use the exact terms ‘sulphur dioxide’, ‘acid rain’, ‘leaches nutrients’, ‘corrodes stone/metal’
Keep the answer concise – 4 points only

Common mistakes

Confusing sulphur dioxide with sulphuric acid as the pollutant
Failing to mention the leaching of nutrients from soil
Using vague terms like ‘pollution’ instead of the specific reactions

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Burning fossil fuels containing sulfur produces/releases sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide reacts with water vapour (in clouds) to form acid rain
Acid rain damages/kills trees
Acid rain reacts with/corrodes the stone or metal of buildings

Key terms in this question

fossil fuels