Question

What are the characteristics of catalysts ?

Answer 1

Characteristics of catalysts:

• For a chemical reaction, catalyst is needed in very small quantity. Generally, a pinch of catalyst is enough for a reaction in bulk.
• There may be some physical changes, but the catalyst remains unchanged in mass and chemical composition in a chemical reaction.
• A catalyst itself cannot initiate a reaction. It means it cannot start a reaction which is not taking place. But, if the reaction is taking place in a slow rate it can increase its rate.
• A catalyst is highly effective at a particular temperature called as optimum temperature.
• Presence of a catalyst generally does not change the nature of products.