3
QuizMultiple Choice

Catalysts

Question 3 • Chemistry - SC3210 A-CR

Although expensive, platinum is used as a catalyst to break down harmful gases in car exhaust into less harmful gases. Which statement best describes platinum in this use?

Answer
A
It is a homogeneous catalyst, so only a small amount is needed even though it exits with the products.
B
It is a heterogeneous catalyst, so only a small amount is needed and it is easily separated from the products.
C
It is a homogeneous catalyst, so although a large amount is needed, it is easily separated from the products.
D
It is a heterogeneous catalyst, so a large amount is needed and it exits with the products.

Explanation

Platinum in a car’s catalytic converter is a solid that acts on gases, so the catalyst and reactants are in different phases. That makes it a heterogeneous catalyst. It is not consumed by the reaction, so only a small amount is needed, and it remains on the converter rather than mixing with the gaseous products, making it easy to separate.

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