How does a catalytic converter reduce pollutant emissions in automobile exhaust?

• A. It filters out solid particles from the exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere.
• B. It cools the exhaust gases to condense pollutants into a liquid form for easier disposal.
• C. It accelerates chemical reactions that convert harmful gases like CO, NO_x, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances such as CO_2, N_2, and H_2O.
• D. It absorbs pollutants onto its surface, preventing them from escaping into the air.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a catalytic converter is a device used in automobile exhaust systems to reduce harmful emissions by facilitating chemical reactions.
2. Recognize that the catalytic converter contains catalysts, typically metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which speed up the conversion of toxic gases without being consumed in the process.
3. Identify the main harmful gases in exhaust: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC).
4. Know that the catalytic converter promotes reactions that convert these harmful gases into less harmful substances: CO is oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO_2), NO_x is reduced to nitrogen gas (N_2), and hydrocarbons are oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O).
5. Conclude that the catalytic converter reduces pollutant emissions by accelerating these chemical reactions, thereby transforming toxic gases into safer compounds before they are released into the atmosphere.