Question detail
What role does a catalyst play in the function of a catalytic converter?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Alkanes
Question
- A. It increases the temperature of the exhaust gases
- B. It provides a surface for reactions to occur
- C. It absorbs pollutants from the exhaust
- D. It cools the exhaust gases before release
Answer
It provides a surface for reactions to occur
Explanation
The catalyst in a catalytic converter provides a surface that facilitates chemical reactions, allowing harmful pollutants to be converted into less harmful substances.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Catalytic Converters
Students often think that catalytic converters completely eliminate pollutants from exhaust gases.
Catalytic converters reduce pollutants by converting harmful gases into less harmful substances through chemical reactions. The main reactions involve converting carbon monoxide (CO) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2). To explain this, we can use the following relationships: 1. **Rule**: The reactions in catalytic converters involve oxidation and reduction. 2. **Substitution**: For example, 2CO + O2 → 2CO2 (oxidation of carbon monoxide) and 2NO → N2 + O2 (reduction of nitrogen oxides). 3. **Working**: The catalytic converter uses catalysts (like platinum, palladium, and rhodium) to facilitate these reactions at lower temperatures. 4. **Answer**: The result is a significant reduction in harmful emissions, but not a complete elimination. 5. **Units/Conclusion**: Therefore, while catalytic converters greatly reduce pollutants, they do not remove them entirely, leading to cleaner exhaust gases.
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