Effects of catalysts

• Investigating effects of catalysts:

  • Factors: catalyst, pressure, concentration, temperature, surface area
  • Surface area/particle size:
  • Using the same mass of smaller particles increases surface area
  • Increase in surface area means more collisions happen because the particles are more likely to collide
  • More frequent collisions mean a higher rate and faster reaction
  • Sugar cube vs icing sugar demo:
  • The sugar cube didn't burn due to small surface area
  • The icing sugar burned very easily due to larger surface area
  • Demonstrates how surface area and particle size affect reactions
• Labalysts provide an alternative pathway of lower activation energy, leading to more successful collisions without being used up
• Catalysts are substances that affect the rate of reaction by lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to occur
• Catalysts in industry:

  • Products can be made more quickly, saving time and money
  • Catalysts are expensive but reusable
  • Examples: nickel in the production of margarine, iron in the production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen
  • Catalysts reduce the need for high temperatures, saving fuel and reducing pollution