What happens if one drop of acid rain water is put on blue litmus paper?
- AOption (a)
Blue litmus paper will turn yellow.
- BOption (b)
No colour changes in litmus paper.
- COption (c)
Blue litmus paper will turn red.
- DOption (d)
Blue litmus paper will turn black.
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Correct answer
Blue litmus paper will turn red.
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Blue litmus paper will turn red.
Key Points
- Acid rain contains acids such as sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃), formed when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) react with water vapor in the atmosphere.
- Blue litmus paper is an indicator used to test the acidity or basicity of a solution.
- When blue litmus paper comes in contact with an acidic substance (pH less than 7), it turns red, indicating the presence of an acid.
- Since acid rain water has a low pH (typically between 4-5), it is acidic in nature. Hence, when a drop of acid rain water is placed on blue litmus paper, the paper turns red.
- This reaction is due to the presence of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the acid rain water, which interact with the litmus indicator, causing the color change.
Additional Information
- Litmus Paper:
- Litmus paper is a natural indicator made from lichens. It is widely used to test the acidity or alkalinity of substances.
- Blue litmus paper turns red in the presence of an acid, while red litmus paper turns blue in the presence of a base.
- Neutral substances do not cause any color change in litmus paper.
- Acid Rain:
- Acid rain occurs due to the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from industrial processes, vehicular emissions, and burning of fossil fuels.
- These gases react with atmospheric water and oxygen to form acids such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which precipitate as acid rain.
- Acid rain has harmful effects on plants, aquatic life, buildings, and human health.
- pH Scale:
- The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14.
- A pH value less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while a value greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.
- A pH of 7 indicates a neutral solution, such as pure water.
- Environmental Impact of Acid Rain:
- Acid rain damages crops, forests, and aquatic ecosystems by lowering the pH of soil and water bodies.
- It corrodes buildings, monuments, and infrastructure, especially those made of limestone or marble.
- Efforts to reduce acid rain include minimizing SO₂ and NOₓ emissions through cleaner energy sources and stricter regulations.
Important Points
- Indicators: Indicators like litmus paper, phenolphthalein, and methyl orange help in identifying the nature of substances (acidic, basic, or neutral).
- Reducing Acid Rain: Adoption of renewable energy sources, installation of scrubbers in industries, and promoting afforestation are effective measures to mitigate acid rain.
- Global Efforts: International agreements like the Clean Air Act and protocols aim to reduce emissions causing acid rain.