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What is the purpose of a catalytic converter in an automobile's exhaust system?
  • a)
    To increase fuel efficiency
  • b)
    To reduce engine noise
  • c)
    To convert harmful emissions into harmless products
  • d)
    To boost acceleration
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the purpose of a catalytic converter in an automobile's exhaus...
A catalytic converter in an automobile's exhaust system is used to convert environmentally damaging emissions, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, into harmless products.
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What is the purpose of a catalytic converter in an automobile's exhaus...
Introduction:
The catalytic converter is an important component of an automobile's exhaust system. It is designed to reduce the harmful emissions produced by the engine and convert them into less harmful substances. This helps in protecting the environment and improving air quality.

Purpose of a catalytic converter:
The primary purpose of a catalytic converter is to convert harmful emissions into harmless products. This is achieved through a series of chemical reactions that take place inside the catalytic converter.

Reduction of harmful emissions:
The catalytic converter plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions from the engine. It works by using a combination of catalysts, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, to facilitate chemical reactions that convert harmful gases into less harmful substances.

1. Oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO): The catalytic converter helps in oxidizing carbon monoxide (CO) into carbon dioxide (CO2), a less harmful gas. This is done by providing a surface for the reaction to occur and promoting the conversion of CO to CO2.

2. Reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx): The catalytic converter also helps in reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. It uses the catalysts present in the converter to facilitate the reduction reaction, converting NOx into nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2).

3. Conversion of unburned hydrocarbons: The catalytic converter also converts unburned hydrocarbons, such as unburned fuel, into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). This helps in reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution.

Improvement of air quality:
By converting harmful emissions into less harmful substances, the catalytic converter helps in improving air quality. It plays a crucial role in reducing the emission of pollutants that contribute to smog formation, respiratory problems, and environmental damage.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the purpose of a catalytic converter in an automobile's exhaust system is to convert harmful emissions produced by the engine into less harmful substances. It helps in reducing the emission of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons, thus improving air quality and protecting the environment.
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What is the purpose of a catalytic converter in an automobile's exhaust system?a)To increase fuel efficiencyb)To reduce engine noisec)To convert harmful emissions into harmless productsd)To boost accelerationCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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