Catalysts and How They Work
Chemistry · Year 11 · The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change · 3o Periodo

Catalysts and How They Work

Discover how catalysts speed up chemical reactions without being used up in the process. Examine how catalysts lower the activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway.

National Curriculum Attainment TargetsDfE GCSE specifications Chemistry Key Stage 4: The rate and extent of chemical change;Explain catalytic action in terms of activation energy and identify catalysts in reactions from their effect on the rate of reaction and because they are not included in the chemical equation for the reaction.

About This Topic

Discover how catalysts speed up chemical reactions without being used up in the process. Examine how catalysts lower the activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway.

Key Questions

  1. What is a catalyst and how does it function in a chemical reaction?
  2. Why are catalysts important in large-scale industrial processes?
  3. How do reaction profiles show the effect of a catalyst on activation energy?

Active Learning Ideas

See all activities→

Activities & Teaching Strategies

See all activities

Planning templates for Chemistry

Lesson Plan

Science

A science-specific template built around the scientific method, with sections for phenomena, investigation, data analysis, and claims-evidence-reasoning (CER) writing.

More in The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change

Calculating Rates of Reaction

Learn how to calculate the rate of a chemical reaction using the quantity of reactant used or product formed over time. Interpret graphs showing the rate of reaction to determine how the speed changes as the reaction progresses.

2 methodologies

Factors Affecting Reaction Rates

Investigate how temperature, concentration, pressure, and surface area influence the speed of chemical reactions. Understand the practical implications of these factors in laboratory and industrial settings.

2 methodologies

Collision Theory and Activation Energy

Explore collision theory to explain why reactions occur and how different factors change the rate of reaction. Understand the concept of activation energy as the minimum energy required for particles to react.

2 methodologies

Reversible Reactions and Energy Changes

Understand that some chemical reactions are reversible and can proceed in both forward and backward directions. Learn how energy changes in reversible reactions are related to the direction of the reaction.

2 methodologies

Dynamic Equilibrium

Learn about dynamic equilibrium in closed systems where reactants and products cannot escape. Understand that at equilibrium, the forward and reverse reactions occur at the exact same rate.

2 methodologies

Le Chatelier's Principle

Apply Le Chatelier's Principle to predict how changes in concentration, temperature, and pressure affect the position of equilibrium. Evaluate how these principles are used to maximise yields in industrial chemistry.

2 methodologies