ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ScienceMedium
A chemist is attempting to synthesize a new compound. They notice that the reaction proceeds much faster when a small amount of a specific substance is added, but this substance is not consumed in the overall reaction. What role is this substance playing?
- AReactant
- BInhibitor
- CProduct
- DCatalyst
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Catalyst
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the reaction itself. It provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A reactant is a substance consumed in a chemical reaction.
- B. An inhibitor slows down or stops a chemical reaction.
- C. A product is a substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction.
Catalyst
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change itself.
- Lowers activation energy.
- Not consumed in the reaction.
- Can be recovered unchanged after the reaction.
Memory trick: A catalyst 'cuts' the time of reaction.