What is a catalyst?

A catalyst is something that changes the rate of a chemical reaction, without being used up during it.

A catalyst provides a different reaction pathway, which requires a lower activation energy than the original pathway. 

This means that the rate of reaction is quicker than it would have been without the prescence of a catalyst. 

Enzymes act as 'biological catalysts' by speeding up the rate of reaction within living organisms. 

RF
Answered by Ryan F. Chemistry tutor

3443 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can crude oil be separated into different fractions?


Name the type of reaction that takes place when calcium carbonate is heated strongly?


How do you know if a molecule has ionic or covalent bonding?


What is the difference between an alkane and and alkene


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