C8.5 The effect of catalysts

Question 1

What is a catalyst? (2 marks)

Answer 1

Catalysts change the rate of chemical reactions but do not get used up during the reaction

Question 2

In what situations can catalysts be useful? (2 marks)

Answer 2

Catalysts are often used in industrial processes to reduce costs.
They do this by
a) speeding up the reaction so the product is produced more quickly
b) allowing the reaction to be carried out at a lower temperature