Understanding Catalysts

What are the two main types of catalysts?

• Active and Inactive catalysts

• Natural and Synthetic catalysts

• Homogeneous and Heterogeneous catalysts

• Biological and Chemical catalysts

Describe the role of a heterogeneous catalyst.

• A heterogeneous catalyst increases the temperature of the reaction.

• A heterogeneous catalyst is always in the same phase as the reactants.

• A heterogeneous catalyst facilitates reactions by providing a surface for reactants to interact, lowering activation energy, and remaining in a different phase from the reactants.

• A heterogeneous catalyst consumes reactants to produce products.

What is the difference between a catalyst and a reactant?

• A reactant speeds up a reaction without being transformed; a catalyst is transformed during the reaction.

• A catalyst speeds up a reaction without being consumed; a reactant is transformed during the reaction.

• A catalyst is a type of reactant that is consumed in the reaction.

• A catalyst and a reactant are the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

How do enzymes function as biological catalysts?

• Enzymes function as biological catalysts by lowering activation energy and stabilizing transition states to speed up reactions.

• Enzymes function by changing the temperature of the reaction environment.

• Enzymes increase activation energy to slow down reactions.

• Enzymes are consumed in the reactions they catalyze.

What factors can affect the rate of catalysis?

• light intensity

• pH level

• Temperature, concentration, surface area, inhibitors/promoters, and catalyst nature.

• pressure changes

Explain the term 'activation energy' in relation to catalysts.

• Activation energy is the energy released after a reaction is completed.

• Activation energy is the total energy released during a reaction.

• Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed, and catalysts reduce this energy requirement.

• Catalysts increase the temperature required for a reaction to occur.

What is the significance of the active site in enzymes?

• The active site is responsible for enzyme degradation.

• The active site is where enzymes are produced.

• The active site determines the color of the enzyme.

• The active site is significant because it is where substrate binding and catalysis occur, enabling enzymes to facilitate biochemical reactions.

How does temperature influence enzyme activity?

• Temperature has no effect on enzyme activity.

• Enzymes are only active at low temperatures.

• Temperature influences enzyme activity by increasing it up to a certain point, after which high temperatures can lead to denaturation.

• Higher temperatures always enhance enzyme activity.