Question

1. which rock weathers most rapidly when exposed to acid rain?

a granite
b limestone
c basalt
d quartzite

Explanation:

Limestone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate (\(CaCO_3\)). Acid rain contains acids like sulfuric acid (\(H_2SO_4\)) and nitric acid (\(HNO_3\)). The chemical reaction between calcium carbonate and these acids is relatively fast. For example, \(CaCO_3 + H_2SO_4=CaSO_4 + H_2O+CO_2\uparrow\). Granite has a more complex composition with minerals like quartz (\(SiO_2\)) which is less reactive with acids. Basalt has a different mineralogy (e.g., feldspars, pyroxenes) that are not as reactive as calcium carbonate in the context of acid - rain weathering. Quartzite is mainly composed of quartz (\(SiO_2\)) which is highly resistant to acid - rain weathering.

Answer:

B. limestone