What is a catalyst, and how does it affect the rate of reaction?

A catalyst is a substance which provides an alternative pathway requiring a lower activation energy for the chemicals to react, and speeds up the rate of reaction. A catalyst also remains chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction.

JE
Answered by Julia E. Chemistry tutor

2250 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Potassium forms an ionic compound with sulfur.Describe what happens when two atoms of potassium react with one atom of sulfur. Give your answer in terms of electron transfer. Give the formulae of the ions formed


What is the difference between moles and molar?


How can I increase the rate of reaction between two substances, without changing the chemicals I use?


Explain why ionic compounds such as potassium sulfide have high boiling points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning