Describe the reaction(s) inside the catalytic converter which change these pollutants into less harmful gases. Include at least one equation in your description.

Inside the catalytic converter, there are several reactions that occur to convert pollutants into less harmful gases. One of the main reactions is the oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). This reaction is represented by the following equation:

2CO + O2 -> 2CO2

Another important reaction is the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2). This reaction is facilitated by the presence of a catalyst, usually made of platinum or palladium, and is represented by the following equation:

2NOx -> xO2 + N2

Additionally, there is a reaction called the water-gas shift reaction, which converts carbon monoxide (CO) and water (H2O) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). This reaction helps to further reduce the levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases. The equation for this reaction is:

CO + H2O -> CO2 + H2

These reactions occur simultaneously inside the catalytic converter, with the help of the catalyst, to convert pollutants such as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less harmful gases like carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen, and hydrogen.