The effect of acid deposition is basically the effect any acid has on metal. It tends to corrode it. Corrosion is the electrochemical degradation of a material. That means that as the metal breaks down, it loses electrons to become a different form. Solid iron (Fe) loses electrons to become a soluble form, Fe(s) --> Fe2+(in solution) + 2e- These electrons are taken up by oxygen (O2), which reacts with hydrogen ions (H+) to form water. (1/2) O2 + 2H+ + 2e- --> H2O The overall reaction is , Fe(s) + (1/2) O2 + 2H+ --> Fe2+ + H2O Normally, the H+ can come from the acid that forms naturally as CO2 dissolves in water. However, acid rain provides a lot more H+ & makes it much easier for the reaction to run because there is plenty of everything needed. Once the iron is in solution it can react further to form iron oxide, which is also known as rusting. Solution The effect of acid deposition is basically the effect any acid has on metal. It tends to corrode it. Corrosion is the electrochemical degradation of a material. That means that as the metal breaks down, it loses electrons to become a different form. Solid iron (Fe) loses electrons to become a soluble form, Fe(s) --> Fe2+(in solution) + 2e- These electrons are taken up by oxygen (O2), which reacts with hydrogen ions (H+) to form water. (1/2) O2 + 2H+ + 2e- --> H2O The overall reaction is , Fe(s) + (1/2) O2 + 2H+ --> Fe2+ + H2O Normally, the H+ can come from the acid that forms naturally as CO2 dissolves in water. However, acid rain provides a lot more H+ & makes it much easier for the reaction to run because there is plenty of everything needed. Once the iron is in solution it can react further to form iron oxide, which is also known as rusting..