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Year 11 - Science

Acid rain and chemical weathering

Atmosphere and changing climate

Unit Summary

This unit explores the composition and evolution of Earth's atmosphere, evidence of climate change, and effects of pollutants like sulphur dioxide. It highlights scientific explanations, ethical considerations, risk evaluation, and the role of peer review in communication.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe how acid rain is formed and the effects that it can cause.

Key Notes

  • The pH of rain water is naturally below 7.
  • Chemical reactions between certain pollutants and water in the atmosphere may cause a decrease in the pH of rainwater.
  • Acid rain is not as acidic as vinegar or citric acid that is found in lemons and oranges.
  • Acid rain chemically reacts with carbonates that form many rocks to produce a salt, water and carbon dioxide.
  • Acid rain can have long term effects on habitats and ecosystems.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • pH: pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration in a solution.
  • pH scale: The pH scale measures acidity and alkalinity and is often shown with values ranging from 1 to 14. A pH below 7 indicates an acid, a pH above 7 indicates an alkali, and a pH of 7 is neutral.
  • acid rain: Acid rain is rainwater which has been made more acidic by pollutant gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
  • chemical weathering: Chemical weathering is when rocks are broken down by a chemical change, for example reactions with acid rain.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Acid rain is immediately harmful to human skin. Acid rain's effects are quick and devastating.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

The pH of rain water is naturally below 7. Chemical reactions between certain pollutants and water in the atmosphere may cause a decrease in the pH of rainwater.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'pH'

pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration in a solution. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Acid rain is immediately harmful to human skin. Acid rain's effects are quick and devastating. Correction: Educate that acid rain is less acidic than household acids. Discuss the long-term ecological and structural impacts of acid rain.

More Lessons In This Unit

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