Catalysts in industry
2 marks · EasyDescribe how you could show that a new powder is a catalyst for the decomposition of a solution. Include the key observations needed to confirm it is a catalyst.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
Show that the powder speeds up the reaction and is recovered chemically unchanged at the end.
Also accept: You would run the decomposition with and without the powder and compare the rates, then recover and test the powder to show it is unchanged.
Common mistakes: Only mentioning the rate increase but not showing the catalyst is unchanged.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · States that the presence of the powder increases the speed/rate of the reaction.
M2 · 1 mark · States that the powder is recovered unchanged (chemically) at the end of the reaction, or that it can be reused.
Worked solution
Add the powder to the solution and observe if the decomposition reaction happens more quickly. At the end, filter or separate the powder and check that it appears chemically unchanged, showing it can be reused.