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What is a catalyst?
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Quick answer
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being used up itself. It works by giving the reaction an easier path that needs less energy, so the same catalyst can be reused over and over. It accelerates a reaction but emerges unchanged at the end.
Key things to understand
- It accelerates a reaction but emerges unchanged at the end.
- It lowers the 'activation energy' the reaction needs to get going.
- Enzymes are biological catalysts that drive the chemistry of life.
- Industrial catalysts make fertilizers, fuels, and plastics efficiently.
- A car's catalytic converter uses metal catalysts to clean exhaust gases.
People also ask
How does a catalyst speed up a reaction?
It offers an alternative pathway with a lower energy barrier, so more molecules can react per second — without the catalyst being consumed.
What is an enzyme?
A protein that acts as a catalyst in living things, speeding up reactions like digestion at body temperature.
Is a catalyst used up in a reaction?
No. That's its defining trait — it helps the reaction along and is left over to do it again.
What are everyday examples of catalysts?
A car's catalytic converter, enzymes in digestion, and yeast in baking all act as catalysts.