What is a catalytic converter and how does it work?
A catalytic converter is a device that uses a catalyst to convert three harmful compounds in car exhaust into harmless compounds. The three harmful compounds are: • Hydrocarbons (in the form of unburned gasoline) • Carbon monoxide (formed by the combustion of gasoline) • Nitrogen oxides (created when the heat in the engine forces nitrogen in the air to combine with oxygen) Carbon monoxide is a poison for any air-breathing animal. Nitrogen oxides lead to smog and acid rain, and hydrocarbons produce smog. In a catalytic converter, the catalyst (in the form of platinum and palladium) is coated onto a ceramic honeycomb or ceramic beads that are housed in a muffler-like package attached to the exhaust pipe. The catalyst helps to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. It converts the hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. It also conve
