Acid rain is a form of precipitation that is very acidic in content. It contains very high levels of hydrogen ions resulting in a lower ph. This low ph results in problems for local ecosystems. Acid rain is caused by large amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions being let out into the atmosphere through pollution; these compounds react with water and hydroxide in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids come down in the form of rain causing many issues for the environment and people alike.
SO3 + H2O → H2SO4
Sulfur trioxide + water = sulfuric acid
NO2 + OH → HNO3
Nitrogen dioxide + hydroxide= nitric acid
There is an equilibrium present in this equation. As the amount of SO2 and NO2 are increasing in the atmosphere on the reactants side, the more sulfuric acid and nitric acid is created on the product side to compensate for the change. The SO2 is also oxidized in the atmosphere to become SO3. This results in an equilibrium between the amount of acid and amount of SO2 or NO2. It is because so much of the gasses are released by society through cars and factories and other man made machinery, that we are forced to deal with acid rain. Acid rain is definitely a problem for society. The highly acidic content raining down can destroy wildlife, plants, and even corrode buildings. It can also destroy crops and ruins habitats for animals. It is a very corrosive substance and can cause numerous problems for society and the environment. However we can stop acid rain by becoming more eco friendly and using alternative methods to fossils fuels and coal energy. By using more solar wind, and thermal energy we can greatly reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere and shift the equilibrium to the reactant side lowering the amount of acidic content in the atmosphere. It is highly possible for us to reduce the effect acid rain has on us as a society.
Video and diagram below explaining acid rain-
References:
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE6Y0iEuXMQ
-http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/
-http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/default.asp?lang=En&n=FDF30C16-1
-http://geography.about.com/od/globalproblemsandissues/a/acidrain.htm
-http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/acidrain.html
Grade 12U Chemistry-Systems and Equilibrium 
So essentially, are scrubbers (explained in video) a catalyst that dissociates the harmful gases from smoke stacks eliminating the harmful gases, or just producing a less harmful gas/acid when condensed ?
scrubbers such as limestone are used to create a chemical reaction with sulfur dioxide changing it into a powder like substance. so i guess its kinda like changing it into a less harmful solid (powder) that can be used for things such as drywall.
In the beginning of your post you mentioned that acid rain has negative affects on both the environment and society (people) can you give me a few examples? Also what effects might there be on different areas of our everyday lives (an example being the affects on the economy)?
well some effects on environment are that it can destroy crops that farmers work hard for. this is due to the very low pH levels in the rain that are corrosive to vegetation. it is also corrosive enough to corrode buildings making them look very awful. when acid rain does hit an area it is best to not go outside which would definitely effect the everyday lives of people.
You mentioned how becoming more eco friendly and using alternative methods for fossil fuel and coal energy can shift the equilibrium to the reactant side, reducing the amount of acidic content in the atmosphere.
However, my question is that can an increase/decrease in concentration, pressure/volume, and temperature shift the equilibrium in any way?
yes a decrease in concentration, volume, etc. on either side will effect the equilibrium of the system. The example I used relates more to concentration and volume, as the less volume and concentration of so2 and no2 on the reactant side, the less acid on the products side.