Question 10
Investigate: Which type of building material is most affected by acid rain? Materials: safety goggles, spotting tile, calcium carbonate, samples representing different building materials (such as limestone, pieces of shale, pieces of clay brick, granite or basalt), spatula, dilute ethanoic acid (representing acid rain), dropper pipette, beaker.
Normal rainwater is slightly acidic. It is not harmful to us or the environment. However, when acidic gases such as sulfur dioxide dissolve in rainwater, acid rain is formed. Acid rain can affect the stone that buildings are made of. Stones such as limestone and marble, for example, contain large amounts of calcium carbonate. When an acid reacts with calcium carbonate, carbon dioxide gas is given off. This reaction dissolves parts of the stone and causes small holes to form.
Write the steps you will follow to carry out your investigation. Use a separate sheet of paper.
- How will you set up the equipment? Decide on your actions.
- What observations will you make? See the table on the next page.
- What will you do to stay safe during the practical? Include how you should handle the dropper pipette containing acid and what you should do with the dropper pipette when not using it.
Results table headings: Building material; Observation when dilute acid is added.
Normal rainwater is slightly acidic. It is not harmful to us or the environment. However, when acidic gases such as sulfur dioxide dissolve in rainwater, acid rain is formed. Acid rain can affect the stone that buildings are made of. Stones such as limestone and marble, for example, contain large amounts of calcium carbonate. When an acid reacts with calcium carbonate, carbon dioxide gas is given off. This reaction dissolves parts of the stone and causes small holes to form.
Write the steps you will follow to carry out your investigation. Use a separate sheet of paper.
- How will you set up the equipment? Decide on your actions.
- What observations will you make? See the table on the next page.
- What will you do to stay safe during the practical? Include how you should handle the dropper pipette containing acid and what you should do with the dropper pipette when not using it.
Results table headings: Building material; Observation when dilute acid is added.
