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The diagram shows a catalytic converter used in car exhaust systems - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 3
The diagram shows a catalytic converter used in car exhaust systems. Gases from the car engine pass into the catalytic converter. In the catalytic converter, carbon ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a catalytic converter used in car exhaust systems - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
What type of reaction occurs in the catalytic converter?
Answer
The reaction that occurs in the catalytic converter is oxidation. In this process, carbon monoxide ( ext{CO}) is oxidized to carbon dioxide ( ext{CO}_2) using oxygen. As a result, unburnt hydrocarbons are also oxidized, producing water vapour ( ext{H}_2 ext{O}) and carbon dioxide. Therefore, you should select option C.
Step 2
Explain why the catalyst is spread onto the honeycomb structure rather than used as large pieces.
Answer
The catalyst is spread onto the honeycomb structure to increase the surface area available for the reaction. A larger surface area allows more reactant molecules to collide with the catalyst, facilitating a faster reaction rate. If large pieces of catalyst were used, the surface area would be smaller, leading to fewer collisions and a slower reaction. The honeycomb structure maximizes contact with the exhaust gases and ensures efficient catalysis.