Final answer:
The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system, which reduces toxic emissions from internal combustion engines by using a blend of catalytically active metals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The catalytic converter is a component of the exhaust system in a vehicle. The primary function of a catalytic converter is to reduce the amount of toxic emissions produced by the combustion of gasoline in internal combustion engines. This is achieved by using a blend of catalytically active metals to promote the conversion of carbon-containing compounds to carbon dioxide and to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions. One of the reactions involves changing nitrogen dioxide into nitrogen gas and oxygen gas. The chemistry involved in catalytic converters is a practical application of Chemistry in Everyday Life.
Most catalytic converters are equipped with an electric heater to preheat the metals in the catalyst. This ensures that the catalyst is fully active before the exhaust gases reach the required temperature for the reaction. The overall chemical equation representing the reaction in catalytic converters might look like the following: 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(g).