Acid rain occurs due to the presence of sulfur dioxide \((SO_2)\) and nitrogen oxides \((NO_x)\) in the atmosphere. These gases are primarily released from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of fossil fuels. These pollutants react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid \((H_2SO_4)\) and nitric acid \((HNO_3),\) which result in acid rain.