Which compounds contribute to acid rain?

Acid rain is primarily formed through the reaction of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides with water vapor in the atmosphere, leading to the production of sulfuric and nitric acids. Sulfur oxides, especially sulfur dioxide (SO2), release into the atmosphere from natural sources and human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion. Once in the atmosphere, these compounds can undergo various chemical reactions that result in the formation of acidic precipitation.

While nitrogen oxides also contribute to acid rain, the question specifically asks for the compounds that contribute most significantly to this phenomenon. Sulfur oxides are known to be a major contributor due to their ability to form stronger acids and their prevalence in emissions from power plants and industrial sources. Therefore, sulfur oxides stand out as key compounds responsible for acid rain.

Hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide are not significant contributors to acid rain in the same way that sulfur and nitrogen oxides are. While hydrocarbons can contribute to other types of pollution, such as smog formation, they do not directly lead to acid rain. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, primarily contributes to global warming and does not acidify precipitation in the manner that sulfur and nitrogen oxides do.

Thus, sulfur oxides are indeed critical in the context