catalysts

• What is the definition of a catalyst?

  A substance that increases reaction rate
• How does a catalyst increase the rate of a chemical reaction?

  By providing an alternative route with lower activation energy
• Is a catalyst consumed in a chemical reaction?

  No, it is not consumed
• What happens to a catalyst at the end of a reaction?

  It is chemically regenerated
• What does the enthalpy profile diagram illustrate about catalysed reactions?

  • Activation energy is lower for catalysed reactions
  • Shows comparison with uncatalysed reactions
• How do catalysts typically behave in terms of specificity?

  They usually work for specific reactions
• What is the effect of a catalyst on the energy requirement for a reaction?

  It lowers the energy requirement
• How does lowering activation energy affect reactant particles?

  More particles have sufficient energy to react
• What does the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution illustrate regarding catalysts?

  • Energy distribution of gas particles
  • Increased fraction of particles can react with a catalyst