Characteristics of catalysts
1. For a chemical reaction, catalyst is needed in
very small quantity. Generally, a pinch of catalyst is enough for a reaction in
bulk.
2. There may be some physical changes, but the
catalyst remains unchanged in mass and chemical composition in a chemical
reaction.
3. A catalyst itself cannot initiate a reaction. It
means it can not start a reaction which is not taking place. But, if the
reaction is taking place in a slow rate it can increase its rate.
4. A solid catalyst will be more effective if it is
taken in a finely divided form.
5. A catalyst can catalyse a particular type of
reaction, hence they are said to be specific in nature.
6. In an equilibrium reaction, presence of catalyst
reduces the time for attainment of equilibrium and hence it does not affect the
position of equilibrium and the value of equilibrium constant.
7. A catalyst is highly effective at a particular
temperature called as optimum temperature.
8. Presence of a catalyst generally does not change the nature of
products For example. 2SO 2 +O 2 → 2SO3
This reaction is slow in the absence of a catalyst, but fast in the
presence of Pt catalyst
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2023 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.