Effects of Acid Rain on Rock Weathering and Mass Changes

Acid Rain

Precipitation with low pH due to acids.

Chemical Weathering

Decomposition of rocks through chemical reactions.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Gas contributing to acid rain formation.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Gases that react to form acids in rain.

Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)

Strong acid formed from sulfur dioxide.

Nitric Acid (HNO3)

Acid produced from nitrogen oxides in rain.

pH Levels

Measure of acidity or alkalinity in solutions.

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Mineral dissolved by acids, found in limestone.

Limestone

Rock type highly susceptible to acid dissolution.

Conglomerate

Sedimentary rock vulnerable to acid-induced mass loss.

Basalt

Igneous rock, generally more resistant to weathering.

Ignimbrite

Volcanic rock, response to acid varies.

Acid Concentration

Amount of acid in a solution affecting weathering.

Mass Loss

Decrease in mass of rocks due to acid exposure.

Experimental Duration

Seven-day period for observing rock weathering effects.

Hypothesis

Prediction about conglomerate's mass loss under acid.

Controlled Environment

Laboratory setting for conducting the experiment.

Rock Sample Preparation

Measuring initial mass before acid exposure.

pH Test Strips

Tools for measuring acidity of solutions.

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Base used to adjust pH of solutions.

Distilled Water

Purified water used for preparing acid solutions.

Acid Erosion Characteristics

Study of how rocks erode under acidic conditions.

Basalt

Igneous rock, resistant to chemical weathering.

Conglomerate

Sedimentary rock, composed of rounded fragments.

Ignimbrite

Volcanic rock formed from ash flow deposits.

pH 7

Neutral pH, one drop of NaOH in water.

pH 5

Slightly acidic, tap water without additives.

pH 3

Highly acidic, 15 drops of sulfuric acid.

Initial Mass

Mass of rock samples before exposure to solutions.

Final Mass

Mass of rock samples after 7 days in solutions.

Trial

Repeated test to ensure consistency in results.

Mass Change

Difference between initial and final mass measurements.

Mineral Precipitation

Process of minerals forming solid deposits.

Solution Absorption

Process of rocks absorbing liquid from solutions.

Chemical Reaction

Interaction between rocks and acidic solutions.

Bubbling

Gas release observed during rock submersion.

CO₂ Gas

Carbon dioxide released from carbonate minerals.

Acid Rain

Rainfall with high acidity, affects rock weathering.

Weathering

Breakdown of rocks due to environmental factors.

Erosion

Removal of rock material by natural forces.

Mass Gain

Increase in mass observed after 7 days.

Durability

Resistance of basalt to chemical changes.

Rock Composition

Minerals that make up each rock type.

Experimental Hypothesis

Prediction about rock mass changes in acids.

Unexpected Results

Findings that contradicted initial mass loss hypothesis.

Chemical Reactions

Interactions between acid and rock minerals.

New Mineral Deposits

Formation of minerals on rock surfaces.

Carbonate Minerals

Minerals that can partially dissolve in acids.

Silicate Minerals

Minerals that react with sulfuric acid.

Gypsum

A secondary mineral formed from sulfate ions.

Silica Gels

Amorphous silica formed during mineral reactions.

Calcium-rich Rocks

Rocks that can form new compounds in acid.

Porosity

Rock's ability to absorb fluids.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks that retain fluids due to porosity.

Ignimbrite

Volcanic rock composed of ash and pumice.

Conglomerate

A rock type similar to ignimbrite.

Acidic Conditions

Environment with low pH affecting rock mass.

pH 5

Slightly acidic condition impacting mass gain.

Mineral Changes

Alterations in rock composition due to acid.

Mass Accumulation

Increase in rock weight from reactions.

Acid Rain

Rain with dissolved sulfuric and nitric acids.

Weathering

Process of rock degradation over time.

Physical Erosion

Wearing away of rock surfaces.

Long-term Exposure

Prolonged acid contact leading to degradation.

Calcium Carbonate Dissolution

Dissolving of limestone in acidic conditions.

Recrystallization

Formation of new mineral structures from solutions.

Mineral Precipitation

Recombination of ions forming solid minerals.

Water Retention

Absorption of liquid by porous rocks.

Weighing Inaccuracies

Errors in mass measurement affecting results.

Analytical Balance

Device for precise mass measurement of samples.

Acid Rain

Precipitation with elevated acidity affecting materials.

Basalt

Igneous rock, low porosity, acid-resistant.

Gabbro

Igneous rock, dense, low porosity, durable.

Limestone

Sedimentary rock, high porosity, reactive to acids.

Conglomerate

Sedimentary rock, composed of various clasts, porous.

Silicate-based Sealants

Coatings that protect carbonate rocks from acid.

Chemical Weathering

Decomposition of rocks due to chemical reactions.

Mineral Transformations

Changes in mineral composition under environmental stress.

Solution Absorption

Process where rocks absorb fluids, increasing mass.

Precipitation Reactions

Chemical reactions forming solid minerals from solutions.

Porosity

Measure of void spaces in materials, affects durability.

Acid-induced Weathering

Degradation of rocks due to acid exposure.

pH Levels

Scale measuring acidity, affects rock weathering rates.

Trial

Repetition of an experiment to ensure accuracy.

Mass Gain

Increase in weight due to mineral deposition.

Environmental Factors

Conditions like temperature and humidity affecting experiments.

Mechanical Weathering

Physical breakdown of rocks through environmental forces.

Nitric Acid (HNO₃)

Strong acid, component of acid rain.

Carbonic Acid (H₂CO₃)

Weak acid formed from CO₂ in water.

Long-term Effects

Impact observed over extended periods, beyond initial reactions.

Construction Materials

Materials selected for durability against environmental factors.

Acid-resistant Materials

Building materials designed to withstand acid exposure.