Question

In an internal combustion engine, platinum speeds up the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Platinum is needed for the reaction, but is not used up in the reaction. How does platinum increase the rate of the reaction?

thinking either C or D

A. It raises the temperature.

B. It agitates the gases.

C. It acts as a catalyst.

D. It increases the pressure.

Answer 1

The answer is C, a catalyst. This is due to the fact that catalysts are substances that can be used to speed up a reaction by lowering the activation energy required. However, the catalyst itself is not actually used up during the reaction.