Step 1: Define acid rain. Acid rain is a form of precipitation containing acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid, that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms.
Step 2: Identify its cause. The primary cause of acid rain is the emission of sulfur dioxide (\(SO_2\)) and nitrogen oxides (\(NO_x\)) into the atmosphere. These gases are released by industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels.
Step 3: Classify the cause. The emission of these gases into the atmosphere is a form of air pollution. They react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form the acidic pollutants.