Explain the effect of sulphur dioxide on the atmosphere.

Effects of Sulphur dioxide on the atmosphere are :

1. It mixes with smoke and fog to form smog, which is very harmful.
2. It is oxidised by atmospheric oxygen into sulphur trioxide (SO₃) which combines with water to form sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) is the cause of acid rain.
   2SO₂ (g) + O₂ (g) ⟶ 2SO₃ (g)
   SO₃ (g) + H₂O (l) ⟶ H₂SO₄ (aq)
3. It destroys vegetation and weakens building materials/constructions.
4. It causes headache, vomiting and even death due to respiratory failure.