Question

Which of the following is a substance that makes chemical reactions go faster? A. enzyme B. compost C. pollutant D. hazardous waste

Short answer

The answer is A. enzyme.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks which substance helps to accelerate chemical reactions. This type of substance is typically referred to in chemistry as a catalyst, and the question choices are different substances that could fit this role.

Analyze the Options

Go through each option one by one: - A. Enzyme: Known to catalyze (speed up) reactions in biological processes. - B. Compost: Organic matter that decomposes; not typically known for fast-tracking chemical reactions. - C. Pollutant: Generally substances that may hinder rather than accelerate reactions. - D. Hazardous Waste: Dangerous substances, not known for catalyzing reactions.

Identify the Catalyst

Out of the options provided, the only substance known to specifically speed up chemical reactions is an enzyme. Enzymes act as biological catalysts.

Verify the Correctness

Confirm the understanding that enzymes are universally recognized for their role in accelerating biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process. This fits the question's context perfectly.

Key concepts

Catalysts

Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or permanently altered by the reaction. They work by lowering the activation energy needed for a reaction to take place, allowing it to occur more quickly. This means that less energy is required to initiate the process.

A catalyst can be involved in the creation of both natural and industrial chemical reactions. In industrial settings, catalysts play a critical role in processes such as the production of fertilizers and the refining of crude oil.

Key characteristics of catalysts include:

• Not being consumed in the reaction: Catalysts can be used repeatedly in many reaction cycles.
• Specificity: They often target specific reactions, ensuring the efficiency of a particular process.
• Reusability: Because they are not consumed, they can continue to catalyze reactions over time.

Overall, the presence of catalysts can greatly enhance the efficiency and speed of various chemical processes.

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions involve the transformation of one or more substances into new substances. During this process, the molecular composition of the initial substances changes. These reactions are fundamental to both everyday processes and scientific advancements.

There are several types of chemical reactions, such as:

• Combustion: A reaction that involves burning, typically releasing heat and light.
• Synthesis: Two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex product.
• Decomposition: A single compound breaks down into simpler products.
• Single displacement: One element replaces another in a compound.

Chemical reactions are absolutely essential in fields such as biochemistry, pharmacology, and environmental science.

The speed of these reactions can be altered by various factors such as temperature, concentration, surface area, and importantly, the presence of catalysts.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. This field combines principles from both biology and chemistry to understand cell functions and interactions at the molecular level.

In biochemistry, enzymes play a crucial role as catalysts for biochemical reactions. Without enzymes, most reactions in living organisms would be too slow to sustain life. They help with processes like digestion, energy production, and even DNA replication.

• Enzymes reduce the activation energy needed for reactions in cells.
• They are highly specific, meaning each enzyme only works with specific substrates.
• Enzymes work under mild conditions, typical of those in living organisms.

Understanding biochemistry is essential for advances in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, as it provides insight into how metabolic pathways are controlled and how new medications can target these pathways. Biochemistry also aids in the development of techniques for diagnosing diseases.