Catalysts and Enzymes

1. Introduction to Catalysts

1. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
2. Catalysts provide an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy.
3. They do not alter the equilibrium position of a reversible reaction.
4. Catalysts are classified as homogeneous (same phase as reactants) or heterogeneous (different phase).

2.