pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in a solution.

The pH scale is a scale of acidity or alkalinity, often shown to be between values of 1 and 14. Below pH 7 are acids; numbers above 7 are alkalis, and pH 7 is neutral.

Acid rain is rainwater which has been made more acidic by pollutant gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Chemical weathering is when rocks are broken down by a chemical change, for example reactions with acid rain.

Acid rain and chemical weathering 

Combined science

In the Industrial chemistry unit, pupils will learn about chemical, industrial, environmental and economic factors of some large-scale chemical processes.

In the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change unit, pupils learned about the carbon cycle, the formation of sedimentary rocks, and the impact of burning fossil fuels.

Atmosphere and changing climate

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of the following pH values is normal rainwater likely to be?

The pH of acid rain is higher than the pH of vinegar and citric acid in oranges.

The pH of acid rain is the same as the pH of vinegar and citric acid in oranges.

The pH of acid rain is less than the pH of vinegar and citric acid in oranges.

How does the pH of acid rain compare to the pH of vinegar and oranges?

The measure of hydroxide ion concentration in a solution.

The measure of hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

What is produced when a sedimentary rock containing carbonate compounds reacts with acid in acid rain?

Organisms within aquatic food webs dying.

Plants dying as they cannot absorb essential nutrients.

Holes forming in plastic outdoor equipment.

Which of the following are impacts of acid rain?

Which of the following household products contain acid?

When using universal indicator solution, what colour will a strong acid be?

Match the acids names with their formula.

Name a pollutant in the atmosphere which can produce acid rain.

Which of the following rocks are sedimentary?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Acid rain and chemical weathering

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.