Catalysts are really interesting because of how they change the energy in chemical reactions. Let’s break it down:
Lowering Activation Energy: Catalysts make it easier for reactions to happen by lowering the activation energy. This means that even though the total energy change stays the same for reactions that release energy (called exothermic) or take in energy (called endothermic), it becomes quicker and simpler to make those changes.
Impact on Rates: Catalysts help reactions happen faster without being used up. They let products form more quickly while keeping the energy balance the same.
Exothermic vs. Endothermic: In exothermic reactions, energy is let out. In endothermic reactions, energy is taken in. Catalysts don’t change how much energy is released or absorbed; they just help the process happen more quickly!
Catalysts are really interesting because of how they change the energy in chemical reactions. Let’s break it down:
Lowering Activation Energy: Catalysts make it easier for reactions to happen by lowering the activation energy. This means that even though the total energy change stays the same for reactions that release energy (called exothermic) or take in energy (called endothermic), it becomes quicker and simpler to make those changes.
Impact on Rates: Catalysts help reactions happen faster without being used up. They let products form more quickly while keeping the energy balance the same.
Exothermic vs. Endothermic: In exothermic reactions, energy is let out. In endothermic reactions, energy is taken in. Catalysts don’t change how much energy is released or absorbed; they just help the process happen more quickly!