22573 Views

Characteristics of a catalyst ?


Sourav Bal 3rd Apr, 2020
Answers (2)
Vagisha Aggarwal 3rd Apr, 2020

Hello Aspirant

A catalyst is a compound that make the rate of reaction faster without itself being involved in the reaction.

It remains unchanged in mass and chemical composition at the end of the reaction.

The catalyst is required in generally very small quantities as it remains almost unreacted at the end of the reaction and therefore we don't need to add it again and again

Pratyay Islam 3rd Apr, 2020

Hello ,

Catalyst : It is a substance that can alter the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the reaction.

Characteristics of a catalyst are as follows :

  • Catalyst may undergo physical changes but not chemical
  • Small quantities of catalyst are sufficient for catalysis.
  • Catalyst activates the rate of reaction but cannot initiate it
  • Catalytic activity is maximum at optimum temperature
  • Catalyst lowers the activation energy of forward and backward reaction and also lowers threshold energy
  • It provides a new mechanism for the reaction
  • It does not change the energy and extent of reaction

Hope this helps

Related Questions

Amity University-Noida B.Tech...
Apply
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
VIT - VITEEE 2026
Apply
National level exam conducted by VIT University, Vellore | Ranked #16 by NIRF for Engg. | NAAC A++ Accredited
Amity University-Noida MBA Ad...
Apply
Ranked among top 10 B-Schools in India by multiple publications | Top Recruiters-Google, MicKinsey, Amazon, BCG & many more.
Amity University-Noida Law Ad...
Apply
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Amity University-Noida M.Tech...
Apply
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Great Lakes Institute of Mana...
Apply
Last Date to Apply: 10th Feb | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
View All Application Forms

Download the Careers360 App on your Android phone

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

150M+ Students
30,000+ Colleges
500+ Exams
1500+ E-books