Question

5. Explain the principle behind the usage of electric precipitators in industries and catalytic converters in automobiles for controlling air pollution.

Answer 1

Part 1: Principle behind using electric precipitators:

• Electric precipitators are used in industries for controlling air pollution.
• Suspended particulate matter (SPM) are finely divided solids or liquids that may be dispersed through the air from combustion processes such as the burning of wood or coal, industrial activities, etc.
• Electric precipitators remove the SPM that is emitted from thermal power plants, steel plants, etc., and therefore help in reducing the smoke.

Part 2: Principle behind using catalytic converters:

• Catalytic converters are used in automobiles for controlling air pollution.
• It contains catalysts such as platinum $\left(\mathrm{Pt}\right)$ which converts harmful gases like Carbon monoxide $\left(\mathrm{CO}\right)$ to less harmful gas Carbon dioxide$\left({\mathrm{CO}}_2\right)$.
• It also converts Nitrogen dioxide $\left({\mathrm{NO}}_2\right)$ to nitrogen$\left({\mathrm{N}}_2\right)$.