AP Environmental Science 7.7 Acid Rain Questions
Practice AP Environmental Science questions on acid deposition, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, acidification, geology, and corrosion.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Environmental Science
Exam points
- explain that nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides from human or natural sources cause acid deposition
- explain how acid deposition acidifies soils and water and corrodes structures, with impacts shaped by geology
Covered syllabus points
Question 1
[Maximum number: 1]
Respond to parts A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
Acid rain is another air pollutant linked to motor vehicles. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of people working from home, so fewer people are commuting to work in their personal vehicles.
Explain how a decrease in the number of people commuting to work in their personal vehicles could lead to a reduction in acid rain.
Examples of acceptable responses may include the following:
- (A decrease in commuting) would result in lower nitrogen oxide/sulfur oxide emissions from cars/vehicles.
- (A decrease in commuting) would lead to less nitric acid/sulfuric acid in the atmosphere.
Question 2
[Maximum number: 2]
Soil is a complex mixture of living organisms and organic material, along with minerals and other abiotic components. Soils help sustain life and support ecosystem functions.
Question (a)
(a)
Acid deposition has affected soil quality in many parts of the northeastern United States.
[ 2 ]
Question (i)
(i)
Explain one way acid deposition onto soil can affect plant health.
[ 1 ]
(1 point for a correct explanation of one way acid deposition onto soil can affect plant health.)
- Increased soil acidity may be outside of the optimal range of tolerance for the plant, resulting in poor plant growth or death.
- Acid can leach cations/metal ions/nutrients from soil, making them less available to plants, thus decreasing growth.
- Aluminum is released and can be toxic to plants.
- Acid can diminish the ability of soil to buffer, leading to poor plant growth.
- Increased soil acidity can damage plant root systems, stressing plants.
- Sulfur and nitrogen from acid deposition can build up to levels toxic to plants (or can fertilize the soils).
Question (ii)
(ii)
Describe one method for remediating soil affected by acid deposition.
[ 1 ]
Describe one method for remediating soil affected by acid deposition.
(1 point for a correct description of a method of remediation.)
- Add crushed limestone / lime / marble dust / bone meal / crushed egg shells or oyster shells
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