Catalyst
A substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up. It gives the reaction an easier route.
Last updated
Analogy
A catalyst is like a tunnel through a mountain. Travellers still arrive, but sooner.
In practice
Car exhaust units use a metal catalyst to turn harmful gases into safer ones.
Practice
Flashcards
- What is a catalyst?A substance that speeds up a reaction and is not used up.
Questions people ask
Why isn't a catalyst used up?
A catalyst takes part in the reaction but is regenerated at the end. It lowers the activation energy, the energy particles need to react, by giving a different pathway. Because it is unchanged afterwards, a small amount can speed up the reaction many times.
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are biological catalysts, made of protein, found in living things. They speed up reactions such as digesting food and brewing beer. Each enzyme works on one type of substance. They work best at a particular temperature and stop working if they become too hot.