Question

collecting rain samples
rico and mia noticed something odd was happening after it rained. soil, rocks, and buildings were changing shape and color. sometimes rust would form on metal objects. they learned that normal rain is slightly acidic because carbon dioxide in the air forms a weak acid when it reacts with rain. this weak acid can dissolve rocks. in addition, chemicals from other sources, such as the burning of fossil fuels, produce acid rain. rico and mila decided to take the ph of four rain samples to see if the rain was causing the changes. they took the data and organized it into a table. they found the rain samples were all below the ph of normal rain.
table 1: ph of rain samples
which rain sample is most likely to cause the greatest amount of weathering?
a) sample 1
b) sample 2
c) sample 3
d) sample 4

Explanation:

To determine which rain sample causes the greatest weathering, we use the relationship between pH and acidity: lower pH means higher acidity. Higher acidity increases the ability to dissolve rocks (weathering). We compare the pH values of the samples: Sample 1 (5.1), Sample 2 (4.8), Sample 3 (5.5), Sample 4 (4.2). The lowest pH (most acidic) is 4.2 (Sample 4), so it causes the most weathering.

Answer:

D) Sample 4