How do sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen contribute to acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen contribute to acid rain primarily by dissolving in rainwater. When these gases are released into the atmosphere, they interact with moisture present in the air. The sulfur dioxide can react with water to form sulfuric acid, while nitrogen oxides can react with water to form nitric acid. As these acids mix with rainwater, they decrease the pH of the rain, resulting in acid rain, which can have harmful effects on the environment, such as damaging wildlife, vegetation, and human-made structures. This chemical transformation is crucial to understanding the process of acidification in ecosystems.