C5.2.5 - Catalysts And Reaction Rate Flashcards
What is a catalyst?
A catalyst is a substance which increases the rate of a reaction without changing itself
Why do specific catalysts have to be used?
Some catalysts may not be able to catalyse certain types of reactions
What elements do catalytic converters use?
Platinum, Rhodium, Palladium
Why are metals such as platinum and rhodium coated onto a ceramic ‘honeycomb’ to be catalysed?
As they are very expensive, so coating them onto a honeycomb allows the catalysts to get the most out of them due to the high surface area and allowance of exhaust gases passing through
What are enzymes?
Proteins that act as catalysts in biological systems
What does catalase do?
Catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
Where is catalase contained?
In liver cells
What do catalysts do to the amount of activation energy required?
It decreases it
What do catalysts do to the rate of successful collision in a reaction?
It increases it
