Illinois Nail Technician Practice Exam

What is the definition of a catalyst in chemistry?

1. A substance that slows down a chemical reaction

2. A chemical that speeds up a chemical reaction

3. A product of a chemical reaction

4. A type of chemical bonding

The correct answer is: A chemical that speeds up a chemical reaction

A catalyst is defined as a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change itself. This means that even though the catalyst enables the reaction to occur at a faster rate, it does not get consumed or altered in the process. Catalysts work by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction that has a lower activation energy compared to the uncatalyzed reaction. This makes it easier for the reactants to undergo the transformation into products. The other choices describe concepts that do not accurately define a catalyst. For instance, slowing down a chemical reaction refers to inhibitors rather than catalysts. A product is a result of a chemical reaction, while chemical bonding pertains to how atoms are held together, which is unrelated to the role of a catalyst in accelerating reactions. Understanding the fundamental role of a catalyst is crucial for numerous applications in both industrial and laboratory settings, as they can significantly improve reaction efficiency.