What is a catalyst?

A catalyst is something that changes the rate of a chemical reaction, without being used up during it.

A catalyst provides a different reaction pathway, which requires a lower activation energy than the original pathway. 

This means that the rate of reaction is quicker than it would have been without the prescence of a catalyst. 

Enzymes act as 'biological catalysts' by speeding up the rate of reaction within living organisms. 

Answered by Ryan F. Chemistry tutor

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