One harmful effect of acid rain is the deterioration of...

One harmful effect of acid rain is the deterioration of structures and statues made of marble or limestone, both of which are essentially calcium carbonate. The reaction of calcium carbonate with sulfuric acid yields carbon dioxide, water, and calcium sulfate. Because calcium sulfate is marginally soluble in water, part of the object is washed away by the rain. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of sulfuric acid with calcium carbonate.

Key Concepts

Acid Rain

Acid rain refers to any form of precipitation that has elevated levels of acidic components, such as sulfuric and nitric acids. It results from industrial emissions that react in the atmosphere, and it is significant in environmental chemistry due to its impact on natural ecosystems and human-made structures.

Balanced Chemical Equation

A balanced chemical equation is a representation of a chemical reaction where the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This concept is fundamental to stoichiometry and ensures the conservation of mass during a chemical transformation.

Acid-Carbonate Reaction

An acid-carbonate reaction is a type of chemical reaction where an acid reacts with a carbonate compound to produce a salt, water, and carbon dioxide. This reaction is widely observed in nature and industry, and it plays a crucial role in processes such as weathering of rocks and the formation of geological features.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry involves the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on their molar relationships. It is essential for determining the proportions in which substances react and for verifying that a chemical equation is balanced.

Solubility of Reaction Products

The solubility of compounds refers to their ability to dissolve in a solvent, typically water. In the context of acid rain reacting with carbonates, the partial solubility of the reaction’s salt product explains the gradual disappearance or degradation of solid materials like marble and limestone.

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