Chemistry / Unit 9 Chem 1726 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Catalysts Lower Activation Energy Without Being Consumed
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The idea
A catalyst speeds a reaction by providing a lower-activation-energy pathway, and though it takes part in the mechanism, it is regenerated unchanged.
In practice
Nitric oxide catalyzes ozone decomposition, reacting in an early step and reappearing as a product later, never consumed overall.
Where people slip
A catalyst inside a mechanism's steps is easy to mistake for a reactant — check whether it reappears unchanged.
Your place on the trail
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