Question

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?

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.

Answer 1

Platinum is solid at room temperature. SInce the catalyst is solid while the medium involves gases, this catalyst is characterized as heterogenous. Because they are different states of matter, they can be easily separated through physical means. So, the answer is B.

Answer 2

the correct answer is B