Catalysts - Introduction

Question 1

Define a catalyst

Answer 1

A substance that alters the rate of a chemical reaction but is not consumed in the reaction

Question 2

Define a negative catalyst/inhibitor.

Answer 2

A catalyst which has a retarding effect i.e. it slows down the rate of reaction

Question 3

Give an example of a negative catalyst.

Answer 3

Glycerine

Question 4

What is the negative catalyst glycerine used for?

Answer 4

It is sometimes added to hydrogen peroxide to slow down its rate of decomposition when it is stored

Question 5

What are catalyst usual made of?

Answer 5

Catalyst are usual transition metals or their compounds

Question 6

Catalysts only speed up reactions when they are in what form?

Answer 6

When they are in solution or in the gas phase

Question 7

How do catalysts work?

Answer 7

Catalysts work by lowering the activation energy needed to start a reaction

Question 8

How do catalyst make a reaction, particularly those used in bioprocessing, more cost effective?

Answer 8

Catalysts lower the activation energy needed for reactions to occur which therefore reduces the temperature required for the reaction to take place