The gases primarily responsible for acid rain are sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants result from the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants, vehicles, and industrial processes. When released into the atmosphere, they react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. Acid rain can have severe ecological impacts, leading to soil degradation, waterway acidification, and harm to forests and aquatic life. Monitoring and reducing these emissions is vital to mitigate acid rain's harmful effects.