3.1.5.5 Catalysts Flashcards
1
Q
What is a catalyst?
A
It is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being changed in chemical composition or amount
It does this by providing an alternative pathway for a reaction with a lower activation energy so that more particles will have enough energy to collide
It is specific to each reaction
Particles adsorb to the surface of catalysts
2
Q
What is an enzyme?
A
A biological catalyst
3
Q
What is the optimum?
A
The pH/temperature that yields the highest reaction rate
4
Q
What happens to enzymes either side of the optimum?
A
They denature when too hot and become unactive when too cold
