Unit 1- Catalysts Flashcards
What two types of catalyst are there?
Heterogeneous and homogeneous
What are catalysts?
Substances that speed up a reaction and are not used up by the reaction.
What are everyday catalysts?
Photosynthesis- chlorophyll
Enzymes in your mouth when eating
Car catalytic converters
How are catalysts used in industrial processes?
- manufacturing petrol
- clothing
- plastics
- fertilisers
- medicines
How do heterogeneous catalysts work?
- works by reacting with a different state to the catalyst
- they work by the absorption of reactant molecules onto the surface of the catalyst
How can you reduce the surface activity of a catalyst?
By poisoning
What do industries do to poisoned catalysts?
They must be removed or generated
Have the impurities removed
What type of catalyst are car catalytic converters?
Heterogeneous
They catalyse the conversion of poisonous carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into carbon drioxide and nitrogen gas
What type of petrol must cars using car catalytic converters use?
Lead free petrol
What does poisoning of a catalyst mean?
When a substance is absorbed onto the surface of the catalyst and it stops working
What are enzymes?
Natural or biological catalysts
What do enzymes catalyse?
Chemical reactions which take place in the living cell of plants and animals
Name three enzymes
- amylase
- pepsin
- lipase
Name an example of enzymes being used for industrial purposes
Yeast is used to make alcohol in the drinks industry
