What is a catalyst and how does it function in chemical reactions?
Understand the Problem
The question is about the definition and role of a catalyst in chemical reactions, highlighting historical definitions and the phenomenon of catalysis.
Answer
A catalyst speeds up (or slows down) a chemical reaction without being consumed, by lowering activation energy or providing a different pathway, known as catalysis.
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up (or sometimes slows down) a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by lowering the activation energy or providing a different reaction pathway. This process is known as catalysis.
Answer for screen readers
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up (or sometimes slows down) a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by lowering the activation energy or providing a different reaction pathway. This process is known as catalysis.
More Information
Catalysis is essential in many industrial processes, environmental applications, and biological systems. Enzymes in the body act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions necessary for life.
Tips
Common mistakes include thinking that catalysts initiate reactions; they only change the rate. Another error is assuming that they are consumed in the process; in reality, they remain unchanged.
Sources
- DOE explains Catalysts - energy.gov
- Catalysis | PNNL - pnnl.gov
- Types of catalysts | Kinetics | Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
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