Chapter 20, Problem 13RQ

Why are catalysts so important to our economy?

To determine

The importance of catalysts to our economy.

Answer to Problem 13RQ

The catalysts are not used up in a reaction and can be reused thus are very important to our economy.

Explanation of Solution

The process of the conversion of reactant species into the product species is called a chemical reaction. The catalysts are the species which does not involve in the reaction process but decreases the energy needed for the reactant molecule to convert into the product. Thus, the catalyst decreases the activation energy of a reaction and in turn increases the rate of a reaction.

The catalysts are very efficient as it is not used up in the reaction. The catalyst can be reused again and again and thus the chemical usage is also reduced which increases the efficiency of a reaction and in turn reduces the environmental pollution.

Thus, catalysts are very efficient and important to our economy.

Conclusion:

Since the catalysts are not used up in a reaction and can be reused thus are very important to our economy.