Question

What is the role of catalyst in a chemical reaction ?

• A. It increases the rate of reaction
• B. It decreases the rate of reaction
• C. Both a & b
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Both a & b

Catalysts:

Catalysts are defined as those substances which alter the rate of reaction by changing the path of reaction. Most of the time, a catalyst is used to speed up or increase the rate of the reaction.

Types of Catalysts:

• Positive catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction.
• Negative catalyst decreases the rate of a chemical reaction.

Characteristic features of catalysts:

1. A catalyst does not initiate a chemical reaction.
2. A catalyst is not consumed in the reaction.
3. Catalysts tend to react with reactants to form intermediates and at the same time, facilitate the production of the final reaction product.