What is catalysis and what does a catalyst do to the activation energy of a reaction, and to the rate of the reaction. Does a catalyst change the nature of the products of the reaction? If a reaction is in equilibrium, does adding a catalyst shift the equilibrium?

Answer in explanation

Explanation:

A catalyst is a substance that alter the rate of a chemical reaction. It either speeds up the rate of the chemical reaction or slows down the rate of the chemical reaction. Hence, we say a catalyst can either work positively or negatively.

A catalyst will bring down the value of the activation energy. It reduces the minimum amount of energy needed for the reaction to kickstart. Hence we say it tends to create an alternative pathway for the chemical reaction to proceed.

When it speeds up the rate, it is otherwise known as a positive catalyst, otherwise it is a negative catalyst.

A catalyst does not have any business with the nature of the products or the reactants. Its work is simple, either hasten or slow down the rate of a chemical reaction.

A catalyst has no effect On the equilibrium position of a chemical reaction. This is to say its addition or subtraction has no effect on the position of a chemical reaction