Section: STEM · ChemistryDifficulty: Medium
Catalyst
USUK
A substance that increases reaction rate without being consumed in the process.
Definition
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, while itself remaining unchanged at the end of the reaction. Catalysts do not alter the thermodynamics of the reaction or the position of equilibrium. They are essential in industrial chemistry, biological systems (enzymes), and environmental applications such as catalytic converters.
Example
“The catalytic converter in a car's exhaust system uses platinum and palladium catalysts to convert toxic carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into harmless carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas.”
Synonyms
- reaction accelerator
- catalytic agent
- enzymatic catalyst
Antonyms / Opposites
- inhibitor
- reaction inhibitor
Images
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Related Terms
- Activation Energy
- Enzyme
- Reaction Rate
- Chemical Equilibrium