Science
Catalysts.
Definition
Catalysts are substances that speed up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. They work by lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to occur, providing an alternative reaction pathway.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Enzymes in your body act as biological catalysts to speed up digestion
- 2 Platinum in a car's catalytic converter helps convert toxic exhaust gases into less harmful ones
- 3 Manganese dioxide speeds up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
Key Fact
Catalysts lower activation energy (Ea) but do not change the overall ΔH or equilibrium position of a reaction.