Catalyst
Definition
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction but isn't consumed in the process.
Analogy
Think of a catalyst as your favorite motivational speaker. They inspire and speed up your progress towards achieving your goals, but they themselves aren't used up or changed by helping you.
Related terms
Enzyme: An enzyme is a biological catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed.
Inhibitor: This is a substance that slows down or prevents a chemical reaction, essentially the opposite of a catalyst.
Catalysis: This refers to the process of speeding up a chemical reaction using a catalyst.
"Catalyst" appears in:
Study guides (5)
Practice Questions (6)
Consider the equation Fe³⁺ (aq) + SCN⁻ (aq) ⇌ FeSCN²⁺ (aq). What happens when a catalyst is introduced to the solution?
How does a catalyst increase the rate of a reaction?
A reactions follows as shown below: (Step 1: HCOOH + H2SO4 → HCOOH2^+ + HSO4^-) (Step 2: HCOOH2^+ → HCO^+ + H2O) (Step 3: HCO^+ + HSO4^- → CO + H2SO4). Which is the catalyst in the overall reaction with the correct justification?
A catalyst can do which of the following with activation energy?
In general terms, a catalyst is __________________________________________________.
When a catalyst is added, it exprected for which of the following to happen?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.