Nitrous Oxides and Catalysts

Question 0

Give the 2 main reactions that make nitrous oxides.

Answer 0

1. N2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2NO (g)

2. 2NO (g) + O2 (g) → 2NO2 (g)

Question 1

At what sort of temperatures does nitrogen react with oxygen in the air?

Answer 1

Very high temperatures (>1000 degrees Celsius)

Question 2

How to we achieve such high temperatures required to react nitrogen and oxygen together in engines?

Answer 2

It is made by the spark.

Question 3

Give the reaction that occurs in rainwater to form nitric acid.

Answer 3

2NO2 (g) + H2O (l) + 1/2 O2 (g) → 2HNO3 (aq)

Question 4

What causes photochemical smog?

Answer 4

Nitrogen oxides reacting with particulates under sunlight.

Question 5

Define catalyst.

Answer 5

A substance which provides an alternate route for a reaction without being used up itself.

Question 6

What are catalytic converters made to do?

Answer 6

Break down carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides.

Question 7

What materials are catalytic converters made of?

Answer 7

Platinum, rhodium and palladium.

Question 8

What sort of structure do catalytic converters have?

Answer 8

A honeycomb-like structure so there is a large surface area.