Why Does Acid Rain Cause Damage To Marble Statues

Those acids are made by dissolving the components in water which are from oxidation of the gases such as so no and co.

Why does acid rain cause damage to marble statues.

What causes acid rain. Architects chose limestone marble steel and brass as durable materials intended to resist the elements. Acid rain can ruin buildings and statues by stripping away the material and corroding metal that makes up these structures. Many sculptures throughout the united states and europe are carved from marble or limestone.

That s why acid rain dissolves statues made of marble. When sulfuric acid rain strikes these statues the reaction of the sulfuric acid with the calcium carbonate yields calcium sulfate and carbonic acid. 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. The marble has caco as the major component.

And nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. The carbonic acid further breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. The acids in acid rains can react with caco by producing soluble salts.

In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. A lot of buildings and statues are made of basic alkaline materials such as limestone.