Final answer:
High cylinder temperatures in engines can lead to increased emissions of Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are significant contributors to smog and ground-level ozone, and Carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic gas resulting from incomplete combustion.
Step-by-step explanation:
High cylinder temperatures in an engine can result in high emissions of Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC). Nitrogen oxides are produced when nitrogen and oxygen in the air react at high temperatures during combustion. Carbon monoxide is a result of the incomplete combustion of fuels, and high temperatures can exacerbate its formation. Hydrocarbons are emitted as unburned fuel or as a result of fuel evaporation. The catalytic converter is a crucial component in reducing these emissions by transforming them into less harmful substances such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water vapor.
Specifically, high engine temperatures lead to an increase in NOx emissions, which include nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and other nitrogen compounds. NOx contributes to both smog and acid rain, adversely affecting air quality and leading to various health problems. The increase in NOx can also result in higher ozone levels at ground level since NOx reacts with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight to form ozone, a significant component of smog and a harmful air pollutant.