Explain the concept of a catalyst in a chemical reaction and provide an example. Describe the role of a catalyst in increasing the rate of a reaction.

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Catalyst A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed or altered in the process. It works by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, allowing more reactant molecules to collide and react. This results in an increase in the rate of the reaction. For example, the reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to form water is catalysed by the presence of platinum (Pt) or palladium (Pd). $$2H2 + O2 ightarrow 2H2O$$ The presence of a catalyst like Pt or Pd lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, allowing more reactant molecules to collide and react, resulting in an increase in the rate of the reaction.

MP Board · Class 10 · Science · Chemical Reactions and EquationsExplain the concept of a catalyst in a chemical reaction and provide an example. Describe the role of a catalyst in increasing the rate of a reaction.