This catalytic converter is fitted in the exhaust pipe of a delivery van. Fig. 1 shows the honeycomb block inside the metal case. Exhaust gases pass through...
Question 1 Report
This catalytic converter is fitted in the exhaust pipe of a delivery van. Fig. 1 shows the honeycomb block inside the metal case. Exhaust gases pass through many narrow channels whose surfaces carry platinum and rhodium catalysts. Carbon monoxide and oxygen react on these surfaces to form carbon dioxide. The catalyst is not used up, so the van can make many journeys before the converter needs replacing.
(a) Identify the role of platinum in this reaction. [1]
(b) Explain how a catalyst increases the reaction rate. [2]
(c) Give two reasons why the honeycomb design is useful for this reaction. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Catalyst [1] (b) Provides an alternative reaction pathway / lowers activation energy [1]; more collisions are successful each second [1] (c) Any two: large surface area; exposes more catalyst to gases; allows gases to pass through; increases contact between gases and catalyst [2]
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