Question 1: Explain what a catalyst is and how it affects a chemical reaction.

Answer: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy.

Question 2: Name the transition metals commonly used as catalysts in automotive catalytic converters.

Answer: Platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

Question 1: Describe the general mechanism by which transition metals catalyze the conversion of harmful gases into less harmful substances in a catalytic converter.

Answer: Transition metals provide active sites where harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons react with oxygen to form less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water.

Question 2: Which of the following gases are reduced or oxidized in a catalytic converter? (Select all that apply)

Answer: Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are reduced, unburned hydrocarbons are oxidized, oxygen helps in both processes.

Question 1: A catalytic converter reduces 150 grams of carbon monoxide (CO) into carbon dioxide (CO2) over a period. If the molar mass of CO is 28 g/mol, how many moles of CO are processed?

Answer: 5.36 moles

Question 2: If a catalytic converter has an efficiency of 85% in converting carbon monoxide, how many grams of CO are actually converted from 150 grams?

Answer: 127.5 grams

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test the effect of a transition metal catalyst on the breakdown of a pollutant gas. Describe the variables involved and safety precautions you would take.

Answer: The experiment involves passing a mixture of pollutant gases through a chamber containing a transition metal catalyst and measuring the amount of pollutants before and after. Variables include catalyst type, temperature, and gas flow rate. Safety precautions include working in a well-ventilated area, wearing gloves and eye protection, and handling gases with care.

Question 2: Explain why platinum, palladium, and rhodium are preferred as catalysts in automotive catalytic converters, considering their chemical properties.

Answer: These metals are highly effective at facilitating redox reactions, are resistant to corrosion at high temperatures, and have a high surface area that provides many active sites for reactions.

Question 1: A study reports that a new transition metal catalyst in a catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions by 30% more than current catalysts. Discuss the potential environmental and industry impacts of this improvement.

Answer: The increased efficiency could lead to cleaner air by reducing harmful emissions more effectively. Industries might adopt this new catalyst to meet stricter environmental regulations, potentially lowering health risks and environmental damage. It could also improve fuel efficiency and prolong the lifespan of catalytic converters.