Assertion (A): Catalytic converters for reduction of oxides of nitroge...
Ans. (c) Catalytic converters requires a non-leaded fuel because the lead compound, along with its scavengers, affects the performance of the catalysts.
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Assertion (A): Catalytic converters for reduction of oxides of nitroge...
Assertion (A): Catalytic converters for reduction of oxides of nitrogen in engine exhaust cannot be used with leaded fuels.
Reason (R): Catalyst will be removed due to chemical corrosion by lead salts.
Explanation:
- A catalytic converter is a device used in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants. It contains a catalyst, which is a substance that accelerates the chemical reactions that convert harmful gases into less harmful substances.
- Leaded fuels contain compounds such as tetraethyl lead, which were used as octane boosters in older vehicles. However, leaded fuels have been phased out in most countries due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment.
- The catalyst in catalytic converters is typically made of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are highly effective in promoting the desired chemical reactions that reduce pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and oxygen.
- However, leaded fuels contain lead salts, which can chemically corrode and damage the catalyst. The lead salts react with the precious metals, forming compounds that can deactivate the catalyst and reduce its effectiveness.
- Therefore, catalytic converters designed for reduction of nitrogen oxides cannot be used with leaded fuels, as the lead salts present in the fuel would cause chemical corrosion and removal of the catalyst over time.
- It is important to note that the use of leaded fuels has been largely phased out, and most vehicles today are designed to run on unleaded fuels. Modern catalytic converters are specifically designed to work with unleaded fuels and are not compatible with leaded fuels.
- Hence, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are individually true. However, Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A) because it does not explain why catalytic converters cannot be used with leaded fuels. The correct explanation is the chemical corrosion and removal of the catalyst caused by lead salts present in leaded fuels.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C'.
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