Automotive exhaust emissions significantly contribute to atmospheric pollution. Which of the following chemical reactions occurring inside a catalytic converter directly eliminates a primary pollutant that acts as a precursor to both photochemical smog and acid rain?
- The reduction of nitrogen(II) oxide () to nitrogen gas ()Answer
- BThe oxidation of carbon(II) oxide () to carbon(IV) oxide ()
- CThe catalytic breakdown of chlorofluorocarbons () into halide salts
- DThe desulfurization of sulfur(IV) oxide () by reaction with calcium oxide ()
Answer
The reduction of nitrogen(II) oxide () to nitrogen gas ()
Nitrogen(II) oxide () produced in internal combustion engines is a primary pollutant. Inside a catalytic converter, reduction catalysts convert into harmless nitrogen gas (). This prevents from oxidizing in the atmosphere to , which is essential for driving the photochemical reactions that produce tropospheric ozone and PAN (photochemical smog) as well as nitric acid () in acid rain.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Role of catalytic converters in reducing precursors of photochemical smog and acid rain