Question detail
What is the main reason why catalytic converters are important for the environment?
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. They minimize air pollution.
- B. They improve fuel economy.
- C. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- D. They lower the cost of fuel.
Answer
They minimize air pollution.
Explanation
The correct option is They minimize air pollution.. They minimize air pollution. is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to explain how catalytic converters reduce pollutants. This reasoning is anchored to Combustion and environmental effects in Alkanes, and it separates catalytic converter from similar A-Level ideas rather than relying on a vague recall statement. Other options are weaker if they use the wrong evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, unit, or conclusion for this subtopic.
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.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.