Chapter 16.2, Problem 18SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The use of catalysts needs to be explained in industry, agriculture and treatment of contaminated soil, waste or water. The role of catalyst in one of the industries needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Catalyst is a substance which increases the rate of a chemical reaction without affecting the amount of product formed.

Explanation of Solution

The use of catalyst in industry, agriculture and treatment of contaminated soil, waste or water is explained as follows:

With the help of a catalyst, speed of a chemical reaction can be increased by decreasing the energy. It is very useful in many industrial processes. It is used to convert raw materials into useful products. For example, iron catalyst is used to increase the industrial production is large scale. This is used for the manufacturing of synthetic fuel formed from coal or natural gas.

In agriculture, catalysts are used to fasten the chemical reaction. Ammonia is produced using iron catalyst. Ammonia is commonly used for manufacturing of fertilizers important for growth of plants.

Catalyst can also be used in the remediation of hydrocarbons present in soils, atmosphere and water. This can be done by catalyzing, hydrolyzing and oxidizing these contaminants and reducing to carbon dioxide and water.

The role of catalyst in agriculture is explained as follows:

The food production is affected by the increase amount of insects in the soil which spoils the crop. The catalyst can be used in the manufacturing of fertilizer by increasing the rate of the reaction. This fertilizer can be added to the crops to protect them from diseases.