Why Does Acid Rain Cause Damage To Marble Statues

When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.

Why does acid rain cause damage to marble statues.

In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. When an acid comes into contact with these materials it causes an exothermic reaction the dissolves the. Acid rain can ruin buildings and statues by stripping away the material and corroding metal that makes up these structures. When sulfuric acid rain strikes these statues the reaction of the sulfuric acid with the calcium carbonate yields calcium sulfate and carbonic acid.

That s why acid rain dissolves statues made of marble. The acids in acid rains can react with caco by producing soluble salts. Many sculptures throughout the united states and europe are carved from marble or limestone. The carbonic acid further breaks down into water and carbon dioxide.

Architects chose limestone marble steel and brass as durable materials intended to resist the elements. What causes acid rain. A lot of buildings and statues are made of basic alkaline materials such as limestone. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive.

In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. Those acids are made by dissolving the components in water which are from oxidation of the gases such as so no and co.