CBSENEETJEEClass 12
What is a catalyst?
Answer
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed itself, by providing an alternative path of lower activation energy.
The working
Definition
A catalyst speeds up a reaction while remaining chemically unchanged in amount and composition at the end.
How it works
It offers an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, so more molecules can react.
Equilibrium note
A catalyst does not shift the position of equilibrium; it only helps equilibrium to be reached faster.
Example
Iron acts as a catalyst in the Haber process for making ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen.
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