What is a Catalyst?

In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. This means that it speeds up the reaction, but it remains unchanged at the end of the reaction. Catalysts are essential in numerous industrial processes and biological systems. They provide an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy, allowing the reaction to occur more quickly. This concept is crucial for Grade 8 students learning about chemical reactions in their science curriculum. Understanding catalysts is fundamental to grasping the intricacies of chemical processes.