Question 5 (1 point) Acid rain is caused by which gases in the atmosphere? a carbon dicxide \( \left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right) \) and sulfur dioxide \( \left(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\right) \) b chlorine \( (C l) \) and fuorine \( (T) \) c methane \( \left(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\right) \) and water vapor \( \left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}\right) \)

Acid rain is primarily caused by sulfur dioxide \( \left(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\right) \) and nitrogen oxides \( \left(\mathrm{NO}_{x}\right) \), which are released into the atmosphere through industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust. When these gases react with water vapor in the atmosphere, they form sulfuric and nitric acids, leading to precipitation that has a lower pH than normal rainwater, which can harm ecosystems, buildings, and even human health. In real-world applications, understanding acid rain helps in environmental policy-making and regulations aimed at reducing industrial emissions. Efforts such as the Clean Air Act in the United States have significantly lowered the levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, showcasing how effective legislation can mitigate the harmful effects of acid rain and improve air quality for communities and wildlife alike.