Explain why acid rain is a problem caused by burning fossil fuels, and describe one environmental consequence of acid rain.

OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248) — C6.3 Interpreting and interacting with Earth systems · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Many power stations around the world burn fossil fuels such as coal to generate electricity. Scientists have linked this activity to the formation of acid rain in surrounding regions.

Model answer (4 marks)

Fossil fuels contain sulphur impurities.
Burning them releases sulphur dioxide (SO₂).
SO₂ reacts with water vapour in clouds to form sulphuric acid, producing acid rain.
Acid rain can damage trees and vegetation, killing plants.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms: sulphur, sulphur dioxide, sulphuric acid. Show the chain of reactions. Give a specific environmental consequence. Keep answer short and to the point.

Common mistakes

  • Using ‘acidic rain’ instead of ‘acid rain’. Failing to mention sulphur dioxide. Giving a consequence that is not directly linked to acid rain.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Fossil fuels contain sulfur impurities
  2. Burning fossil fuels produces sulfur dioxide
  3. Sulfur dioxide reacts with water vapour in clouds to form acidic rain
  4. A valid environmental consequence of acid rain, e.g. damage to trees/vegetation, acidification of lakes/rivers killing aquatic life, or chemical weathering/erosion of buildings and stonework

Key terms in this question

acid rain · fossil fuels

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