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What is a catalyst and what does it do?

In: Biology, Chemistry, Catalysts and Catalysis [Edit categories]

Answer:

A catalyst starts a reaction.

cat·a·lyst

Audio Help /ˈkætlɪst/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kat-l-ist] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

-noun 1. Chemistry. a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected. 2. something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected. 3. a person or thing that precipitates an event or change: His imprisonment by the government served as the catalyst that helped transform social unrest into revolution. 4. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.

First answer by ID3424468994. Last edit by Pianogirl09. Contributor trust: 20 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 3 [recommend question].

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Relevant answers:

What can a catalyst do?
A Catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed faster, but is not used up by the reaction.
What is catalyst?
A catalyst is a substance that makes chemical reactions happen faster. They don't affect the outcome of the reaction, only the time in which it happens.
When are you a catalyst?
We became catalyst when we visit to in-laws home.
Difference between catalyst and biological catalyst?
In chemistry it is called a catalyst. In biology it is called a enzyme. When a living organism produces a catalyst its called an enzyme.
What is a catalyst?
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a given chemical reaction by lowering its activation energy without itself being used up.