AP Chemistry Flashcards: Catalysts

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Catalysts, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Chemistry.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the active site in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: The active site is the region of an enzyme where substrate binds. This specific binding site determines the enzyme's catalytic specificity.

Flashcard 2: Does a catalyst alter the equilibrium constant of a reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst does not change the equilibrium constant. Catalysts only affect reaction rates, not the thermodynamic equilibrium position.

Flashcard 3: Does a catalyst change the reaction mechanism?

Answer: Yes, a catalyst provides an alternative reaction mechanism. The mechanism involves the catalyst in intermediate steps.

Flashcard 4: What is meant by 'catalyst poisoning'?

Answer: Deactivation of a catalyst by impurities. Poisoning reduces or eliminates the catalyst's ability to function effectively.

Flashcard 5: What is the role of a promoter in catalysis?

Answer: A substance that enhances the activity of a catalyst. Promoters improve catalyst performance without being catalysts themselves.

Flashcard 6: Does a catalyst alter the equilibrium constant of a reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst does not change the equilibrium constant. Catalysts only affect reaction rates, not the thermodynamic equilibrium position.

Flashcard 7: Identify an example of a catalyst in an everyday product.

Answer: Platinum in catalytic converters of vehicles. It converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful substances.

Flashcard 8: Identify a common industrial catalyst used in the Haber process.

Answer: Iron is used as a catalyst in the Haber process. Iron catalyzes the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases.

Flashcard 9: Identify the effect of a catalyst on activation energy.

Answer: A catalyst lowers the activation energy of a reaction. This enables reactions to proceed faster at the same temperature.

Flashcard 10: What is the function of a catalyst in a redox reaction?

Answer: A catalyst provides a lower-energy pathway for electron transfer. It facilitates electron transfer between oxidizing and reducing agents.

Flashcard 11: What is an enzyme in the context of catalysis?

Answer: An enzyme is a biological catalyst. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in living organisms.

Flashcard 12: What is the effect of a catalyst on the rate constant $k$?

Answer: A catalyst increases the rate constant $k$. Higher $k$ values result from the lower activation energy pathway.

Flashcard 13: What is the role of a support in heterogeneous catalysis?

Answer: A support provides a surface for the catalyst to disperse. Supports increase surface area and prevent catalyst particle aggregation.

Flashcard 14: What is the function of a catalyst in a redox reaction?

Answer: A catalyst provides a lower-energy pathway for electron transfer. It facilitates electron transfer between oxidizing and reducing agents.

Flashcard 15: Identify an example of a catalyst in an everyday product.

Answer: Platinum in catalytic converters of vehicles. It converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful substances.

Flashcard 16: What is the turnover number in catalysis?

Answer: The number of substrate molecules converted per catalyst molecule per unit time. This measures catalytic efficiency and activity level.

Flashcard 17: What is the role of a support in heterogeneous catalysis?

Answer: A support provides a surface for the catalyst to disperse. Supports increase surface area and prevent catalyst particle aggregation.

Flashcard 18: Do catalysts affect the overall stoichiometry of a reaction?

Answer: No, catalysts do not affect the overall stoichiometry. Catalysts change reaction pathways but not the balanced chemical equation.

Flashcard 19: How does a catalyst affect the rate of a reaction?

Answer: A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction. It provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy.

Flashcard 20: What is a catalytic cycle?

Answer: A sequence of steps involving a catalyst that regenerates the catalyst. The catalyst is consumed and regenerated in a repeating sequence.

Flashcard 21: What does the term 'catalytic efficiency' refer to?

Answer: The ratio of the rate constant of catalyzed reaction to uncatalyzed reaction. This quantifies how much a catalyst accelerates the reaction rate.

Flashcard 22: How does a catalyst affect the time required to reach equilibrium?

Answer: A catalyst reduces the time required to reach equilibrium. Faster kinetics mean equilibrium is achieved more quickly.

Flashcard 23: What is a catalytic cycle?

Answer: A sequence of steps involving a catalyst that regenerates the catalyst. The catalyst is consumed and regenerated in a repeating sequence.

Flashcard 24: Does a catalyst change the enthalpy change ($\triangle H$) of a reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst does not change the enthalpy change. Catalysts affect kinetics but not thermodynamic properties like $\Delta H$.

Flashcard 25: How does a catalyst affect the Gibbs free energy ($\triangle G$) of a reaction?

Answer: A catalyst does not affect the Gibbs free energy change. Catalysts change kinetics but not the overall energy change of reactions.

Flashcard 26: Identify an example of a catalyst in an everyday product.

Answer: Platinum in catalytic converters of vehicles. It converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful substances.

Flashcard 27: What is a homogeneous catalyst?

Answer: A catalyst in the same phase as the reactants. Both catalyst and reactants exist in the same state of matter.

Flashcard 28: What is an enzyme in the context of catalysis?

Answer: An enzyme is a biological catalyst. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in living organisms.

Flashcard 29: Is a catalyst consumed during a chemical reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst is not consumed in the reaction. It participates in the reaction but is regenerated in the final step.

Flashcard 30: Does a catalyst change the enthalpy change ($\triangle H$) of a reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst does not change the enthalpy change. Catalysts affect kinetics but not thermodynamic properties like $\Delta H$.

Flashcard 31: What is the primary role of a catalyst in a reaction mechanism?

Answer: To lower the activation energy and accelerate the reaction. Catalysts enable faster reaction rates by reducing energy barriers.

Flashcard 32: What type of catalysis involves an enzyme?

Answer: Biocatalysis involves enzymes. Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate metabolic reactions.

Flashcard 33: What is the effect of temperature on catalytic activity?

Answer: Increasing temperature generally increases catalytic activity. Higher temperatures provide more kinetic energy for catalyst-reactant interactions.

Flashcard 34: What is the effect of temperature on catalytic activity?

Answer: Increasing temperature generally increases catalytic activity. Higher temperatures provide more kinetic energy for catalyst-reactant interactions.

Flashcard 35: Does a catalyst change the enthalpy change ($\triangle H$) of a reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst does not change the enthalpy change. Catalysts affect kinetics but not thermodynamic properties like $\Delta H$.

Flashcard 36: Identify one advantage of using catalysts in industrial processes.

Answer: Catalysts can increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption. They enable faster reactions at lower temperatures, saving energy costs.

Flashcard 37: Do catalysts affect the overall stoichiometry of a reaction?

Answer: No, catalysts do not affect the overall stoichiometry. Catalysts change reaction pathways but not the balanced chemical equation.

Flashcard 38: What is 'catalytic selectivity'?

Answer: The ability of a catalyst to direct a reaction to a specific product. Selective catalysts favor formation of desired products over side products.

Flashcard 39: Does a catalyst alter the equilibrium constant of a reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst does not change the equilibrium constant. Catalysts only affect reaction rates, not the thermodynamic equilibrium position.

Flashcard 40: What is the effect of temperature on catalytic activity?

Answer: Increasing temperature generally increases catalytic activity. Higher temperatures provide more kinetic energy for catalyst-reactant interactions.

Flashcard 41: What is 'catalyst regeneration'?

Answer: The process by which a catalyst is restored to its original state. This allows the catalyst to be reused multiple times.

Flashcard 42: Describe the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction.

Answer: A catalyst provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy. This allows reactions to proceed faster without changing thermodynamic properties.

Flashcard 43: Define 'autocatalysis'.

Answer: A reaction in which the product acts as a catalyst. The product accelerates its own formation by catalyzing the reaction.

Flashcard 44: What is the effect of a catalyst on the rate constant $k$?

Answer: A catalyst increases the rate constant $k$. Higher $k$ values result from the lower activation energy pathway.

Flashcard 45: What is the definition of a catalyst in chemistry?

Answer: A substance that increases reaction rate without being consumed. It speeds up reactions by providing an alternative pathway but remains unchanged after the reaction.

Flashcard 46: What does the term 'catalytic efficiency' refer to?

Answer: The ratio of the rate constant of catalyzed reaction to uncatalyzed reaction. This quantifies how much a catalyst accelerates the reaction rate.

Flashcard 47: What is 'induced fit' in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: A model where the enzyme changes shape to bind the substrate. The enzyme structure adjusts upon substrate binding for optimal catalysis.

Flashcard 48: What is the active site in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: The active site is the region of an enzyme where substrate binds. This specific binding site determines the enzyme's catalytic specificity.

Flashcard 49: How does a catalyst affect the rate of a reaction?

Answer: A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction. It provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy.

Flashcard 50: What is the role of a support in heterogeneous catalysis?

Answer: A support provides a surface for the catalyst to disperse. Supports increase surface area and prevent catalyst particle aggregation.

Flashcard 51: Define 'autocatalysis'.

Answer: A reaction in which the product acts as a catalyst. The product accelerates its own formation by catalyzing the reaction.

Flashcard 52: What is an enzyme in the context of catalysis?

Answer: An enzyme is a biological catalyst. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in living organisms.

Flashcard 53: What is a heterogeneous catalyst?

Answer: A catalyst in a different phase than the reactants. The catalyst exists in a different state of matter from the reactants.

Flashcard 54: Does a catalyst change the reaction mechanism?

Answer: Yes, a catalyst provides an alternative reaction mechanism. The mechanism involves the catalyst in intermediate steps.

Flashcard 55: What is a homogeneous catalyst?

Answer: A catalyst in the same phase as the reactants. Both catalyst and reactants exist in the same state of matter.

Flashcard 56: What is the principle behind the use of catalysts in green chemistry?

Answer: To reduce the need for energy and minimize waste production. Catalysts enable more efficient, environmentally friendly chemical processes.

Flashcard 57: Identify the effect of a catalyst on activation energy.

Answer: A catalyst lowers the activation energy of a reaction. This enables reactions to proceed faster at the same temperature.

Flashcard 58: What is the role of a support in heterogeneous catalysis?

Answer: A support provides a surface for the catalyst to disperse. Supports increase surface area and prevent catalyst particle aggregation.

Flashcard 59: What is 'catalyst regeneration'?

Answer: The process by which a catalyst is restored to its original state. This allows the catalyst to be reused multiple times.

Flashcard 60: Is a catalyst consumed during a chemical reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst is not consumed in the reaction. It participates in the reaction but is regenerated in the final step.

Flashcard 61: Do catalysts affect the overall stoichiometry of a reaction?

Answer: No, catalysts do not affect the overall stoichiometry. Catalysts change reaction pathways but not the balanced chemical equation.

Flashcard 62: What is the active site in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: The active site is the region of an enzyme where substrate binds. This specific binding site determines the enzyme's catalytic specificity.

Flashcard 63: Identify one advantage of using catalysts in industrial processes.

Answer: Catalysts can increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption. They enable faster reactions at lower temperatures, saving energy costs.

Flashcard 64: Define 'autocatalysis'.

Answer: A reaction in which the product acts as a catalyst. The product accelerates its own formation by catalyzing the reaction.

Flashcard 65: How does a catalyst affect the time required to reach equilibrium?

Answer: A catalyst reduces the time required to reach equilibrium. Faster kinetics mean equilibrium is achieved more quickly.

Flashcard 66: What is a homogeneous catalyst?

Answer: A catalyst in the same phase as the reactants. Both catalyst and reactants exist in the same state of matter.

Flashcard 67: What is the active site in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: The active site is the region of an enzyme where substrate binds. This specific binding site determines the enzyme's catalytic specificity.

Flashcard 68: What is the turnover number in catalysis?

Answer: The number of substrate molecules converted per catalyst molecule per unit time. This measures catalytic efficiency and activity level.

Flashcard 69: What is 'catalyst regeneration'?

Answer: The process by which a catalyst is restored to its original state. This allows the catalyst to be reused multiple times.

Flashcard 70: Does a catalyst alter the equilibrium constant of a reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst does not change the equilibrium constant. Catalysts only affect reaction rates, not the thermodynamic equilibrium position.

Flashcard 71: Describe the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction.

Answer: A catalyst provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy. This allows reactions to proceed faster without changing thermodynamic properties.

Flashcard 72: Identify the main difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

Answer: Homogeneous catalysts are in the same phase as reactants; heterogeneous are not. Phase differences affect separation, recovery, and reaction mechanisms.

Flashcard 73: What is a heterogeneous catalyst?

Answer: A catalyst in a different phase than the reactants. The catalyst exists in a different state of matter from the reactants.

Flashcard 74: What is the principle behind the use of catalysts in green chemistry?

Answer: To reduce the need for energy and minimize waste production. Catalysts enable more efficient, environmentally friendly chemical processes.

Flashcard 75: What is meant by 'catalyst poisoning'?

Answer: Deactivation of a catalyst by impurities. Poisoning reduces or eliminates the catalyst's ability to function effectively.

Flashcard 76: What is an enzyme in the context of catalysis?

Answer: An enzyme is a biological catalyst. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in living organisms.

Flashcard 77: What is 'catalytic selectivity'?

Answer: The ability of a catalyst to direct a reaction to a specific product. Selective catalysts favor formation of desired products over side products.

Flashcard 78: What is 'induced fit' in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: A model where the enzyme changes shape to bind the substrate. The enzyme structure adjusts upon substrate binding for optimal catalysis.

Flashcard 79: What is 'catalyst regeneration'?

Answer: The process by which a catalyst is restored to its original state. This allows the catalyst to be reused multiple times.

Flashcard 80: Is a catalyst consumed during a chemical reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst is not consumed in the reaction. It participates in the reaction but is regenerated in the final step.

Flashcard 81: What is the primary role of a catalyst in a reaction mechanism?

Answer: To lower the activation energy and accelerate the reaction. Catalysts enable faster reaction rates by reducing energy barriers.

Flashcard 82: What is the 'lock and key' model in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: A model where the enzyme and substrate fit perfectly together. This model assumes rigid, complementary shapes between enzyme and substrate.

Flashcard 83: What is the 'lock and key' model in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: A model where the enzyme and substrate fit perfectly together. This model assumes rigid, complementary shapes between enzyme and substrate.

Flashcard 84: Identify the main difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

Answer: Homogeneous catalysts are in the same phase as reactants; heterogeneous are not. Phase differences affect separation, recovery, and reaction mechanisms.

Flashcard 85: How does a catalyst affect the time required to reach equilibrium?

Answer: A catalyst reduces the time required to reach equilibrium. Faster kinetics mean equilibrium is achieved more quickly.

Flashcard 86: Identify a property that distinguishes enzymes from inorganic catalysts.

Answer: Enzymes are specific for particular reactions. Enzyme specificity contrasts with the broader activity of inorganic catalysts.

Flashcard 87: What is the definition of a catalyst in chemistry?

Answer: A substance that increases reaction rate without being consumed. It speeds up reactions by providing an alternative pathway but remains unchanged after the reaction.

Flashcard 88: What is the turnover number in catalysis?

Answer: The number of substrate molecules converted per catalyst molecule per unit time. This measures catalytic efficiency and activity level.

Flashcard 89: How does a catalyst affect the time required to reach equilibrium?

Answer: A catalyst reduces the time required to reach equilibrium. Faster kinetics mean equilibrium is achieved more quickly.

Flashcard 90: Identify one effect of a catalyst on reaction pathways.

Answer: A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway. This alternative route has lower activation energy than the uncatalyzed reaction.

Flashcard 91: Identify one advantage of using catalysts in industrial processes.

Answer: Catalysts can increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption. They enable faster reactions at lower temperatures, saving energy costs.

Flashcard 92: What is 'induced fit' in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: A model where the enzyme changes shape to bind the substrate. The enzyme structure adjusts upon substrate binding for optimal catalysis.

Flashcard 93: Does a catalyst change the reaction mechanism?

Answer: Yes, a catalyst provides an alternative reaction mechanism. The mechanism involves the catalyst in intermediate steps.

Flashcard 94: Does a catalyst change the reaction mechanism?

Answer: Yes, a catalyst provides an alternative reaction mechanism. The mechanism involves the catalyst in intermediate steps.

Flashcard 95: How does a catalyst affect the Gibbs free energy ($\triangle G$) of a reaction?

Answer: A catalyst does not affect the Gibbs free energy change. Catalysts change kinetics but not the overall energy change of reactions.

Flashcard 96: What is the effect of a catalyst on the rate constant $k$?

Answer: A catalyst increases the rate constant $k$. Higher $k$ values result from the lower activation energy pathway.

Flashcard 97: Identify the effect of a catalyst on activation energy.

Answer: A catalyst lowers the activation energy of a reaction. This enables reactions to proceed faster at the same temperature.

Flashcard 98: Does a catalyst change the enthalpy change ($\triangle H$) of a reaction?

Answer: No, a catalyst does not change the enthalpy change. Catalysts affect kinetics but not thermodynamic properties like $\Delta H$.

Flashcard 99: What is the 'lock and key' model in enzyme catalysis?

Answer: A model where the enzyme and substrate fit perfectly together. This model assumes rigid, complementary shapes between enzyme and substrate.

Flashcard 100: What is the function of a catalyst in a redox reaction?

Answer: A catalyst provides a lower-energy pathway for electron transfer. It facilitates electron transfer between oxidizing and reducing agents.