Which air pollutant is primarily produced by burning fossil fuels and is known to contribute to acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide is primarily produced by the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned, sulfur present in these fuels combines with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide, which is then released into the atmosphere. This gas is a significant contributor to the formation of acid rain.

In the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide can react with water vapor and oxygen to form sulfuric acid, leading to precipitation that has a lower pH than normal rainwater. This acid rain can have detrimental effects on the environment, including damage to forests, freshwater bodies, and infrastructure, as well as harmful impacts on human health.

The role of other pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone, is distinct from that of sulfur dioxide. While nitrogen dioxide also plays a role in atmospheric chemistry and can contribute to the formation of acid rain, sulfur dioxide is the primary contributor in this context. Carbon monoxide, although produced by burning fossil fuels, does not significantly contribute to acid rain. Ozone, while a significant air pollutant at ground level, is a secondary pollutant formed by reactions involving sunlight and other pollutants, and is not a direct product of fossil fuel combustion in the same manner as sulfur dioxide.