Being farther from the nucleus and with more electrons shielding the protons results in the valence electrons being held ...

Weakly

Explanation:

Being farther from the nucleus and with more electrons shielding the protons results in the valence electrons being held weakly.

acid rain does not usually kill trees directly. instead, it is more likely to weaken the trees by damaging their leaves, limiting the nutrients available to them, or poisoning them with toxic substances slowly released from the soil. the main atmospheric pollutants that affect trees are nitrates and sulphates.