Question 11
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.
Draw your investigation set-up.
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.
Draw your investigation set-up.
