Question

A _____________ is some factor that tends to make a process occur.

Short answer

A catalyst is a substance, agent, or event that speeds up a reaction or process without being consumed, thus increasing the rate of the process while remaining unchanged itself.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the term that fits the definition

From the definition "some factor that tends to make a process occur," we can identify the term as "Catalyst."

Define the term "Catalyst"

A Catalyst can be defined as a substance, agent, or event that speeds up a reaction or process without being consumed in the process. Its presence helps to increase the rate of the process while remaining unchanged itself.

Key concepts

Chemical Reaction

A chemical reaction is a process where substances, known as reactants, are transformed into different substances, called products. This transformation involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, leading to a change in the composition and properties of the substances involved.
During a chemical reaction, the molecules of the reactants interact and rearrange to form new molecules. This can be observed in everyday occurrences, such as when iron rusts or when food is cooked.
A chemical reaction can be evidenced through changes like:

• Color change
• Gas production
• Formation of a precipitate
• Temperature change

These changes indicate that new chemical substances with different properties have been formed.

Reaction Rate

The reaction rate is a measure of how quickly a chemical reaction occurs. It reflects the speed at which reactants are converted into products. Reaction rates can vary significantly, from very fast explosions to slow processes like rusting.
Several factors can influence reaction rates, including:

• Temperature: Higher temperatures usually increase reaction rates because particles move faster and collide more often.
• Concentration: Increased concentration of reactants typically leads to a faster reaction rate.
• Surface Area: Smaller particle sizes or increased surface area can enhance reaction rates by allowing more collisions.
• Catalysts: These substances speed up reactions without being consumed, thus increasing the reaction rate.

Understanding reaction rates is crucial in industrial processes, helping optimize conditions for ideal production.

Activation Energy

Activation Energy is the minimum energy that reactant molecules need to possess for a reaction to occur. It acts as a barrier that prevents reactions from happening spontaneously unless conditions allow for enough energy to overcome it.
The concept of activation energy is essential in understanding why certain reactions need a "push," such as heat, to get started. It's like the energy required to push a boulder over a hill before it can roll down on its own.
Catalysts are important here as they lower the activation energy, making it easier for reactions to occur at lower temperatures and thus proceed faster. They provide an alternative pathway in the reaction mechanism, ensuring that the process is not only quicker but also more efficient.