PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG

Smog = Smoke + fog

Photochemical smog formed by the reactions of automobile exhaust in the
presence of sunlight.

Primary pollutants Pollutants that is emitted directly into atmosphere from source.
Secondary pollutants Formed in atmosphere by chemical reaction of primary
pollutants.
Oxides of nitrogen, NOx (NO or NO2)

N2(g) + O2(g) 2NO(g)

Formed in combustion engine

Being released together with unburnt hydrocarbon

2NO(g) + O2(g) 2NO2(g) Slow

NO(g) + O3(g) NO2(g) + O2(g)
NO(g) + HOO(g) NO2(g) + OH(g) Faster
2NO2(g) + hv NO(g) + O(g)
O(g) + O2(g) + M(g) O3(g) + M*(g)
Where M is N2 or O2

Bad Effects of Troposphere Ozone & Oxide of Nitrogen

To living organism
Toxic / Irritants: hazardous to
human & animals
Plants : yellowing of leaves,
lowers photosynthesis rate
Acid rain : promote leaching of
toxic metals.

To nonliving material
Greenhouse gases: global
warming
Degradation of rubber product.

Acid rain: damage to buidings

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
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Catalyst (mangkin): A substance, usually used in small amount relative to the

reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being
consumed in the process.

Examples of catalyst: Oxides of Pt, Pd, Rd, Ir.

Suitable condition for catalytic converter:
o High surface area Honeycomb structure
o High temperature Heat insulator

EXERCISE:
Give all chemical equations of all reactions occurred in a catalytic converter.