Which crushed rock would most likely weather the fastest in areas that receive high levels of acidic rain?
Question
Which crushed rock would most likely weather the fastest in areas that receive high levels of acidic rain?
Solution
The rock that would most likely weather the fastest in areas that receive high levels of acidic rain would be limestone. Here's why:
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Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain.
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Limestone is a type of rock that is highly susceptible to weathering, or the breaking down of rocks. This is because limestone is composed primarily of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate), which is highly reactive with acids.
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When acid rain falls on an area with a lot of limestone, the acid in the rain reacts with the calcite in the limestone. This reaction causes the limestone to dissolve.
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Therefore, in areas that receive high levels of acidic rain, limestone would most likely weather the fastest compared to other types of rocks.
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