Which gases are primarily responsible for acid rain?

The gases primarily responsible for acid rain are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. When these gases are released into the atmosphere, they can undergo chemical reactions with water vapor, oxygen, and other trace substances. This processes lead to the formation of sulfuric and nitric acids, which then fall to the ground as acid rain.

Acid rain can have harmful effects on the environment, including damaging forests, acidifying waterways, and harming wildlife. The conversion of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into acids is a key part of this environmental issue, making them the primary culprits in the formation of acid rain. Other gases, such as carbon dioxide or methane, do not contribute significantly to this phenomenon, as their chemical interactions do not lead to the same acid formation.