Several harmful gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide react with the water vapours present in the atmosphere to form their respective sulphuric and nitric acid. These acids fall on earth in the form of rain, making it acid rain.
The cause of acid rain are the sulphur and nitrogen particles present in the atmosphere which get mixed with wet components of rain. They get mixed with rain mainly because of either because of human activities like emissions from factories or industries or by natural phenomenon of lightning strike in the atmosphere which releases nitrogen and sulphur from the volcanic eruptions.
Effects of acid rain
Acid rain causes skin irritation.
It changes the fertility of soil.
Causes damage to buildings and steel structures.
Affects plants and aquatic life.
Final Answer
The cause of acid rain are the sulphur and nitrogen particles present in the atmosphere which get mixed with wet components of rain and it mainly affects plants and aquatic life and buildings.