Most chemicals are produced industrially using catalysts. Catalysts increase the rate of chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy. This reduces the amount of energy needed for the reaction to occur and the reactions can occur at lower temperatures. Less energy is needed so less electricity is used and less fossil fuel is used. This reduces the cost of manufacturing the chemical and reduces carbon dioxide emissions from the use of fossil fuels.
Catalysts and Sustainability
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Specification: OCR Chemistry A (H032), AS-level, 3.2.2 Reaction rates. Topic: Reaction Rates.
Key terms in this lesson
- Activation energy
- The minimum energy required for a reaction to take place.
- Catalyst
- A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up, by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
More in Reaction Rates
- Factors affecting the Rate of a Chemical Reaction
- Following the Progress of a Reaction
- Catalysts
- Homogenous Catalysts
- Heterogenous Catalysts
- Autocatalysis
- The Boltzmann Distribution Curve and Temperature
- The Boltzmann Distribution Curve and Catalysts
All 10 lessons in Reaction Rates · All OCR AS-level Chemistry topics