Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Catalyzing refers to the process of speeding up a chemical reaction by using a catalyst, such as an enzyme. The catalyst lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, allowing it to happen more rapidly.
Reaction rate refers to how quickly reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction. Catalysts increase the rate by accelerating the reaction without being consumed themselves.