Why are Limestone structures eroded by acid rain?

CO2 present in the air can dissolve in rain water producing carbonic acid. This acid is weak but can give rain water a slightly acidic pH of around 5.6

When this rain water falls it reacts with the claim carbonate present in limestone, in the following reaction:

Calcium carbonate + carbonic acid -> Calcium Salt + Water + CO2

This reaction has been responsible for the natural formation of limestone caves over millions of years, but more recently more acidic rain has been produce by the excess Sulfur Dioxide produced by burning Coal. SO2 reacts with water in the atmosphere to produce Sulphuric acid (H2SO4). This acid is stronger than carbonic acid and can give water a pH of below 5. When this falls as acid rain it produces a strong reaction with calcium carbonate which may erode statues and buildings, and cause damage to environmental features such as crops and trees.

GL
Answered by Greg L. Chemistry tutor

18682 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the general structure of an atom.


In the production of anhydrous copper sulphate (a reversible reaction), the forward reaction is an endothermic reaction. Explain the effect of increasing the temperature on the production of anhydrous copper sulphate.


85 cm^3 of 0.05 mol/dm^3 sulfuric acid is used to neutralise 15 cm^3 of sodium hydroxide of an unknown concentration. Given that the chemical formula of the reaction is 2NaOH + H2SO4 => NA2SO4 + 2H2O, find the concentration of the sodium hydroxide.


A batch of Titanium(iv) Chloride is electrolysed in a chemical plant. (a) State the type of bonding in Titanium(iv) Chloride and why it has to be molten in order to undergo electrolysis. (b) Explain why a DC current has to be be used for electrolysis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning