Question

What is catalysis? Write down the important characteristics of catalyst.

Answer 1

Catalysis is the increase in the rate of a chemical reaction by the addition of a reagent — the catalyst — that is not itself consumed. The catalyst works by opening up a route between starting material and product with a lower activation barrier than the uncatalyzed process.

The most important properties of catalysts are:

1. A catalyst increases the speed of a reaction, and it also improves the yield of the intended product.

2. A catalyst actually takes part in the reaction even though it itself is not consumed or used up in the course of the reaction.

3. A catalyst makes the reaction faster by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy.

4. A catalyst is reaction-specific. It may not be effective in another reaction even if the two reactions are of similar type.

5. In a reversible reaction,  a catalyst accelerates both the forward and the reverse reactions. So, the inclusion of a catalyst does not alter the equilibrium constant of a reversible reaction.
I HOPE U GET CLEARED UP UR DOUBT

Answer 2

Answer:

Catalysis:-

A substance that alter the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the reaction is called catalyst and the phenomenon is known as catalysis.

• The term catalyst was given by Berzelius.

Explanation:

Important Characteristics of Catalyst:-

• They become temporarily involved in a reaction, providing an alternative reaction path of lower activation energy than that for the uncatalysed reaction.
• They catalyse both forward and backward reaction to the same extent in a reversible reaction and thus have no effect on the equilibrium constant.
• The catalyst remains unchange in amount and chemical composition at the end of the reaction. it may under goes some physical change.
• only a small quantity of the catalyst is generally needed. one mole of colloidal platinum in 10⁸ L can catalyse decomposition of H2O2.
• In certain reactions, the rate of the reaction is dependent on the concentration of the catalyst.
• rate of the reaction in certain heterogeneous reaction varies with surface area of the catalyst.Hence, finely divided metals are preferred in the form of catalyst.
• The catalyst does not initiate the reaction and are specific in their action.