Analyze the primary function of catalytic converters in vehicles How do they contribute to reducing air pollution? By increasing fuel effic lency and reducing overall emissions By converting harmfu pollutants into less harmful substances through chemical reactions By fitering out particu ate matter from the exhaust By storing excess carbor dioxide for later release

## Step 1<br />Catalytic converters are a crucial component in vehicles, particularly those with internal combustion engines. They are designed to reduce the harmful emissions produced by the engine.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The primary function of catalytic converters is to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances through chemical reactions. This is achieved by using catalysts, which are substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The catalysts in a catalytic converter facilitate the conversion of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and unburned hydrocarbons into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and water (H2O).<br /><br />## Step 4<br />This process is known as catalysis, and it is a key mechanism in reducing air pollution from vehicles. By converting harmful gases into less harmful substances, catalytic converters help to reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.