Chemistry / Unit 9 Chem 1738 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Heterogeneous Catalysis
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The idea
A heterogeneous catalyst exists in a different phase, usually solid, furnishing a surface where adsorbed reactants react before desorbing.
In practice
A car's catalytic converter uses a solid metal surface to convert gaseous carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Where people slip
A heterogeneous catalyst's action happens at its surface only — surface area, not total mass, is what speeds the reaction.
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