Catalysts Flashcards
What is a catalyst (definition):
A catalyst is a substance which changes the speed of a reaction, without being used up in the reaction
How does a catalyst work:
By lowering the energy required by the reactants to react
Name one use of catalysts:
Catalytic converters
Where are catalytic converters found:
In motor vehicles
Where is a catalytic converter used:
In the exhaust pipe
Why is a catalytic converter used in the exhaust pipe:
As vehicle exhausts can give off poisonous gases like carbon monoxide if petrol dosen’t burn properly
How does a catalytic converter work in the exhaust pipe:
It increases the rate at which Carbon monoxide and unburnt fuel in exhaust gases react with oxygen in the air to produce CO2 and water.
What does the catalytic converter have and how does this help it work:
A large surface area that works best at high temperature to increase the rate or reaction
What do catalysts do:
Speed up the rate of reaction
