Acid Rain
Contributed By
- Original Source:Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Conditions of Use:None Specified
Description
Visitors simulate the process of creating acid rain. In a covered petri dish, visitors mix sodium sulfite (NaSO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) to create sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), which is a common byproduct of industrial processes. In the air, this gas mixes with rainwater (H2O) and then with oxygen (O2) to produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This acid rain can harm plants, animals, and buildings. In the petri dish, this same reaction occurs and "acid rain" is produced. The pH change of each of the reactants and products is shown by a few drops of bromothymol blue--a common pH indicator. This activity is part of the Environmental Chemistry unit in OMSI's Chemistry Lab. Materials estimates are for 100 uses. Less
Learning Registry Activity
Bookmarks
Topics and Grades
Grade: TK/K to 12
Topics: Biochemistry, Weather, Climate & Atmosphere, Acids & Bases, Chemical Reactions & Stoichiometry, Physics, Chemistry, Current Science, Ecology & Ecosystems, Earth & Space Science, States of Matter (solids, liquids, gases), Earth's Resources
Resource Pedagogy
Resource Type/Classification:
- Teacher Materials
Tool for: Students