Question

Which description best describes how a catalyst works?

Answer 1

1. Catalyst is the substance that helps in speeding up the reaction.
2. Catalyst provides a surface where the rate of reaction becomes fast.
3. In simpler words, we can say the reaction is proceeding fast with the help of a catalyst, without changing itself.
4. They reduce the activation energy or change the reaction mechanism by speeding u the reaction.
5. The common types of catalysts are as follows: enzymes, acid-base catalysts, heterogeneous catalysts, etc.
6. The reaction happens more efficiently and hence the equilibrium is attained faster.
7. Example: In the process of Hydrogenation the unsaturated hydrocarbon is converted to form saturated hydrocarbon in the presence of Palladium, Platinum, and Nickel catalyst.
8. The chemical reaction includes catalyst as follows:
   $$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{CH}}_2={\mathrm{CH}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\underset{400°\mathrm{C}}{\overset{\mathrm{Pd}/\mathrm{Pt}/\mathrm{Ni}}{\to }}{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_6\left(\mathrm{g}\right) \\ \mathrm{Ethene}\mathrm{Hydrogen}\mathrm{Ethane} \end{gathered}$$