# 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

> 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.

## 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

- [acid rain](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/acid-rain)
- [fossil fuels](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fossil-fuels)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-acid-rain-is-a-d19b1ad7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.