Question

Define the term catalyst. Write one example where it is used.

Answer 1

A catalyst is a substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any chemical changes.
Example: In the following reaction, magnesium dioxide acts as a catalyst and itself does not undergo any chemical change.
\(\mathrm{Potassium~ chlorate} + \mathrm{Manganese~ dioxide} \rightarrow \mathrm{Potassium~ chloride} + \mathrm{Oxygen} + \mathrm{Manganese~ dioxide}\)