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Environment & EcologyEasyAsked in: RRB JE · CBT-1, 17 Dec 2024, Shift 2

When the pH of rainwater falls below 5.6, it is commonly referred to as:

  1. A.alkaline rain
  2. B.acid rain
  3. C.mineral rain
  4. D.hard water

Correct answer

B. acid rain

Explanation

The correct answer is B, acid rain. Rain with a pH below 5.6 is called acid rain. Even clean rain is slightly acidic, with a pH of about 5.6, because carbon dioxide from the air dissolves in it to form weak carbonic acid; that is why 5.6, not 7, is the dividing line. Rain turns more acidic when sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from coal-fired power plants, factories and vehicles mix with water vapour and form sulphuric and nitric acids. Acid rain corrodes marble and metal, kills fish in lakes and harms soil and forests. In India the best-known example is the damage to the Taj Mahal's white marble, often called 'marble cancer'. A is wrong because alkaline rain would have a pH above 7. C is wrong because 'mineral rain' is not a scientific term. D is wrong because hard water means water with dissolved calcium and magnesium salts; it is not a measure of how acidic rain is. Exam tip: rain pH below 5.6 = acid rain; culprits SO₂ and NOₓ; victim marble, as in the Taj Mahal.

Practice Questions

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Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2019, GKMedium

Which one of the following statements about the National Green Tribunal is not correct?

  1. A.It was set up in the year 2010.
  2. B.It is involved in effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests.
  3. C.It may consider giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.
  4. D.It is bound by the procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. It is bound by the procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

The National Green Tribunal is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure; it is guided by the principles of natural justice.

Q3.Environment & EcologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2018, GKHard

Consider the following statements about National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) of India for 2017-2031:

1. This is the Third National Wildlife Action Plan.

2. The NWAP is unique as this is the first time India has recognized the concerns relating to climate change impact on wildlife.

3. The NWAP has ten components.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 2 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 1 and 2 only

The plan for 2017-2031 is India's third National Wildlife Action Plan and the first to deal with the impact of climate change on wildlife, but it has five components, not ten.