Impurities such as pyrite or iron pyrite are found in coal, when we burn coal it interacts with atmospheric oxygen to form iron oxide and sulfur dioxide (a primary air pollutant).
The primary air pollutant, sulfur dioxide, is oxidized, once in the atmosphere, to sulfur trioxide.
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Sulfur trioxide dissolves it atmospheric water droplets to form sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a major component of acid rain. Sulfuric acid is considered a secondary air pollutant
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The generalized representation of sulfur oxides, whether it be sulfur dioxide or sulfur trioxide. The Sulfur oxides are considered primary air pollutants.
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Molecules of nitrogen and atmospheric oxygen combine AT VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES to form nitric oxide, a colorless gas. The high temperatures of natural processes like lightening or those of the combustion chambers of an engine are effective in causing this conversion. Nitric oxide is a primary air pollutant
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Once in the atmosphere, nitric acid reacts with additional oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide, a red-brown toxic gas that causes irritation to the eyes and respiratory system
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Further reaction of nitrogen dioxide with water can produce nitric acid, another component of acid rain
