catalytic converters

Question 1

what is the purpose of catalytic converters

Answer 1

decrease the output of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and unburnt hydrocarbons in the exhaust mixture

Question 2

what type of shape do catalytic converters have? and why?

Answer 2

catalytic converters have a honeycomb shape as this provides a large surface area

Question 3

how do catalytic converters actually work

Answer 3

as the polluting gases pass over the catalyst they react with each other to form less harmful gases

Question 4

write the balanced symbol equation for the reaction between :

octane + nitrogen oxide (NO) –> nitrogen + carbon dioxide + water

Answer 4

C8H18 + 25NO –> 12.5N2 + 8CO2 + 9H2O

Question 5

define heterogenous catalysts

Answer 5

catalysts (solid) are in a different state to reactants (gases)

Question 6

name one type of heterogenous catalysts

Answer 6

catalytic converters

Question 7

what is the equation for the oxidation of CO to CO2

Answer 7

2CO + O2 —> 2CO2

Question 8

what is the equation for the reduction of NO to N2

Answer 8

2CO + 2NO —> 2CO2 + N2

Question 9

what is the equation for the oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons

Answer 9

CnH2n + (3n+1) [0] —> nCO2 + (n+1) H20