6.1.5

Catalysts

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Catalysts

Catalysts increase the rate of chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy. They do this by changing the reaction pathway.

Illustrative background for Are catalysts used up in reactions?Illustrative background for Are catalysts used up in reactions? ?? "content

Are catalysts used up in reactions?

  • Catalysts are not used up during chemical reactions. This means that:
    • They can be reused indefinitely.
    • They are not found in chemical equations.
  • But, catalysts will often need cleaning or regenerating, which has knock-on effects for energy expenditure and environmental impact.
Illustrative background for What are some examples of catalysts?Illustrative background for What are some examples of catalysts? ?? "content

What are some examples of catalysts?

  • Different catalysts are appropriate for different reactions:
    • Iron is used in the process that makes ammonia.
    • Platinum and palladium are used in catalytic converters in cars.
    • Enzymes catalyse reactions in biological systems.
Illustrative background for What form do catalysts come in?Illustrative background for What form do catalysts come in? ?? "content

What form do catalysts come in?

  • Catalysts often come as powders, pellets or fine gauzes because these types of substance have particularly high surface areas.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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