Acid rain and chemical weathering
I can describe how acid rain is formed and the effects that it can cause.
Acid rain and chemical weathering
I can describe how acid rain is formed and the effects that it can cause.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning 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.
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
Acid rain is immediately harmful to human skin. Acid rain's effects are quick and devastating.
Educate that acid rain is less acidic than household acids. Discuss the long-term ecological and structural impacts of acid rain.
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Acid rain and chemical weathering , download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Acid rain and chemical weathering , download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Atmosphere and changing climate unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Supervision
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Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
HNO₃
H₂SO₄
HCl