Question 1: Define a catalyst and explain its role in a chemical reaction.

Answer: A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy.

Question 2: Describe how a catalyst affects the activation energy of a reaction.

Answer: A catalyst lowers the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed, making the reaction faster.

Question 3: Which of the following is a common catalyst used in the industrial production of sulfuric acid? A) Platinum B) Vanadium pentoxide C) Aluminum D) Iron

Answer:

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate the effect of a catalyst on the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Include variables to control and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment can involve adding a small amount of manganese dioxide catalyst to hydrogen peroxide in a test tube and observing the rapid formation of oxygen bubbles. Variables to control include amount of hydrogen peroxide, amount of catalyst, temperature, and concentration. Safety precautions include wearing goggles, gloves, and working in a well-ventilated area to handle gases safely.

Question 2: Identify three variables that could affect the efficiency of a catalyst in an industrial process.

Answer: Temperature, concentration of reactants, surface area of the catalyst.

Question 1: In an experiment, adding a catalyst increased the reaction rate from 10 seconds to 2 seconds for the same amount of reactant. Explain what this indicates about the catalyst's effect.

Answer: It indicates that the catalyst significantly speeds up the reaction by lowering the activation energy, resulting in a faster process.

Question 2: A reaction without a catalyst takes 15 minutes to complete, while with the catalyst, it takes 2 minutes. What does this imply about the catalyst's effectiveness?

Answer: The catalyst is highly effective, drastically reducing the time required for the reaction to complete.

Question 1: Explain how catalysts are used in catalytic converters in cars to reduce pollution.

Answer: Catalytic converters use catalysts like platinum, palladium, and rhodium to convert harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water, reducing pollution.

Question 2: Describe a way in which catalysts are important in the production of plastics or fuels.

Answer: Catalysts are essential in the production of plastics and fuels, such as in the cracking of hydrocarbons or in polymerization, to increase efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower costs.

Question 3: Why is it important to handle catalysts with care during industrial processes?

Answer: Because some catalysts can be toxic, hazardous, or require specific conditions to avoid accidents, contamination, or health risks in industrial settings.