2006-07-31 03:54:33 · 10 answers · asked by pensive 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
A catalyst lowers the activation barrier, i.e. the activation energy, by forming a transition state with lower energy than the uncatalyzed reaction. The catalyst is not taking part in the reaction itself, and is released at the end of the process as exactly the same chemical entity it was at the beginning. Therefore it can start the process again and again. Catalyst is needed, as a consequence, in very small quantity, not in stoichiometric amount.
By no means a thermodynamically "non permitted" reaction becomes possible.
2006-07-31 04:03:26 · answer #1 · answered by ascaniosobrero 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually know this one. I asked my chemistry teacher the same question a while back.
A catalyst is something that speeds the process of a chemical reaction, but it does not react with anything, and you still have that catalyst when the the reactants are no longer going through the chemical change.
It pretty much just speeds things up.
2006-07-31 11:15:42 · answer #2 · answered by Sleeping Beauty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, catalyst help to speed up chemical reaction by bringing down the activation energy available. These contributes to a faster chemical reaction. You could also try to read up on the internet for catalyst activation level and ,etc. I'd be also happy to send you scans to relate this in clearer picture if not need them
2006-07-31 11:01:17 · answer #3 · answered by maayub15 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When A and B react to make AB, the process goes through an intermediate stage, a so-called "activated complex", which has a higher energy level than either A+B or AB:
A + B ->
("AB activated complex) ->
AB
If a catalyst K is available, the proces becomes
A + B + K ->
("ABK activated complex) ->
AB + K
Now the trick is that the "ABK activated complex" has a lower energy level than the "AB activated complex" so the second process can run faster.
2006-07-31 11:16:32 · answer #4 · answered by helene_thygesen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They lower the activation energy, the energy required to begin the reaction, therefore decreasing the total time and energy of the reaction.
2006-07-31 11:00:28 · answer #5 · answered by reiwo023-9085j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shiara is correct. The increase the rate of the reaction by supplying extra electrons.
2006-07-31 11:02:04 · answer #6 · answered by Barry M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catlysts combine with one or more of the reactants forming intermediates lower in energy which would otherwise have not existed and are better suited to give the product.
2006-07-31 11:00:13 · answer #7 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they only help in incresing the rate of reaction
2006-07-31 10:58:08 · answer #8 · answered by Rosh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CATALYSTS WORK AS AN ENDOTHERMIC CHEMICAL REACTION THAT CAUSES THE ATOM TO ACCELERATE THEIR PROTONS CAUSING FRICTION.FRICTION CAUSES HEAT THEREFOR ITBY HEAT INTENSLEY BURNS UP AND CONSUMES ITSELF INWARDLY STILL RELEASING HEAT OUTWARDLY.
2006-07-31 11:08:11 · answer #9 · answered by golgotha72000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they help the reaction to get going by donating or accepting electrons from one reagent so the other reagent can bind to it
2006-07-31 10:57:53 · answer #10 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋