Open Question
A substance that accelerates any chemical reaction but is not consumed in the reaction is a _____.
15. Chemical Kinetics
Catalyst
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Why are enzymes referred to as catalysts in biochemical reactions?
A
They are consumed in the reaction and need to be replenished.
B
They increase the activation energy required for reactions.
C
They speed up reactions without being consumed.
D
They change the equilibrium position of reactions.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of a catalyst: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
Recognize that enzymes are biological catalysts: Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, facilitating the conversion of substrates into products.
Identify the effect of enzymes on activation energy: Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed, thereby increasing the reaction rate.
Clarify that enzymes do not alter the equilibrium position: While enzymes speed up the rate at which equilibrium is reached, they do not change the position of the equilibrium itself.
Conclude that enzymes are not consumed: Enzymes remain unchanged after the reaction, allowing them to catalyze multiple reactions without needing to be replenished.
1:59mWatch next
Master Catalyzed vs. Uncatalyzed Reactions with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
