- Acid rain is primarily caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), mainly from burning fossil fuels. - These pollutants react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃). - While both contribute to acidity, sulfuric acid often accounts for a larger proportion of the acidity, especially in areas heavily impacted by coal combustion.