Question

Discuss briefly the following:

Catalytic converter

Answer 1

A catalytic converter is a device fitted in the exhaust system of automobiles to reduce the emission of harmful gases. It uses expensive metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium as catalysts. As the exhaust gases pass through the converter, the catalytic reactions convert:

• Unburnt hydrocarbons are converted into carbon dioxide and water,
• Carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide,
• Nitric oxide into nitrogen gas.

This helps significantly reduce the pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Vehicles equipped with catalytic converters must use unleaded petrol because lead in petrol can deactivate the catalyst, making it ineffective.