The name given to a chemical that increases the rate of a chemical reaction is a catalyst.

Quick Scoop

  • A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction.
  • It does this by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy, so more reacting particles can successfully react.
  • A key feature is that a catalyst is not used up in the reaction and can be used again.

In short: any chemical that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed is called a catalyst.

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