Chemistry / Unit 9 Chem 1627 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Catalysis Previewed as a Rate Factor
Captions available
The idea
A catalyst is a substance that increases a reaction's rate without itself being permanently consumed by the reaction.
In practice
Dilute hydrogen peroxide decomposes slowly on a shelf but foams rapidly on an open wound, sped by substances the tissue provides.
Where people slip
A catalyst can appear to be consumed mid-reaction, but a true catalyst always reappears unchanged once the reaction completes.
Your place on the trail
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