12 marks
When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels, they can form acids.
State the two acids formed.
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Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2015
Last exams 2025
Acid Deposition (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL): Exam Questions
36 mins10 questions
22 marks
Acid deposition is a significant environmental issue caused by human activities. It occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels.
State the two main ways that SO2 and NOx can be deposited.
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32 marks
Suggest why buildings and statues made out of limestone and marble are damaged by acid deposition.
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41 mark
Acidic deposition accelerates the leaching of essential nutrients from soil, which reduces their availability for plants, leading to nutrient deficiencies and impacting plant growth and overall ecosystem productivity.
Identify one of these nutrients.
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13 marks
Describe how fossil fuel combustion can lead to acid deposition.
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23 marks
Explain how acid deposition, caused by SO2 and NOx, can have negative effects on terrestrial ecosystems.
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33 marks
Outline a method that indirectly measures the influence of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides on an ecosystem.
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4a2 marks
Explain how one advancement in technology has led to the reduction of transport emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
4b2 marks
Explain how one alteration in human behaviour has led to the reduction of transport emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
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17 marks
Acid deposition falling on an area of woodland can also affect a nearby aquatic ecosystem.
Explain how.
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29 marks
For terrestrial ecosystems, discuss the challenges associated with managing the impacts of acid rain in comparison to managing the impacts of climate change.
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