Catalysts Definition and How They Work

Catalysts Definition and How They Work A catalyst is a chemical substance that affects the rate of a chemical reaction by altering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. This process is called catalysis. A catalyst is not consumed by the reaction and it may participate in multiple reactions at a time. The only difference between a catalyzed reaction and an uncatalyzed reaction is that the activation energy is different. There is no effect on the energy of the reactants or the products. The ΔH for the reactions is the same.​ How Catalysts Work Catalysts permit an alternate mechanism for the reactants to become products, with a lower activation energy and different transition state. A catalyst may allow a reaction to proceed at a lower temperature or increase  the reaction rate  or selectivity. Catalysts often react with reactants to form intermediates that eventually yield the same reaction products and regenerate the catalyst. Note that the catalyst may be consumed during one of the intermediate steps, but it will be created again before the reaction is completed. Positive and Negative Catalysts (Inhibitors) Usually when someone refers to a catalyst, they mean a positive catalyst, which is a catalyst that  speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering its activation energy. There are also negative catalysts or inhibitors, which slow the rate of a chemical reaction or make it less likely to occur. Promoters and Catalytic Poisons A promoter is a substance that increases the activity of a catalyst. A catalytic poison is a substance that inactivates a catalyst. Catalysts in Action Enzymes are reaction-specific biological catalysts. They react with a substrate to form an unstable intermediate compound. For example, carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the reaction:H2CO3(aq) ⇆ H2O(l) CO2(aq)The enzyme allows the reaction to reach equilibrium more quickly. In the case of this reaction, the enzyme makes it possible for carbon dioxide to diffuse out of blood and into the lungs so it can be exhaled.Potassium permanganate is a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen gas and water. Adding potassium permanganate increases the temperature of the reaction and its rate.Several transition metals can act as catalysts. A good example of platinum in the catalytic converter of an automobile. The catalyst makes it possible to turn toxic carbon monoxide into less toxic carbon dioxide. This is an example of heterogeneous catalysis.A classic example of a reaction that doesnt proceed at an appreciable rate until a catalyst is added is that between hydrogen g as and oxygen gas. If you mix the two gases together, nothing much happens. However, if you add heat from a lighted match or a spark, you overcome the activation energy to get the reaction started. In this reaction, the two gases react to produce water (explosively).H2 O2 ↔ H2O The combustion reaction is similar. For example, when you burn a candle, you overcome the activation energy by applying heat. Once the reaction starts, heat released from the reaction overcomes the activation energy needed to allow it to proceed.

How to Resolve and Solve Problems

How to Resolve and Solve Problems A great skill to have is the ability to solve problems specifically interpersonal and behavioral problems,   effectively. At the same time it is also a great skill to teach students. There are a few key requirements to resolving problems collaboratively.   Both inside and outside the classroom teachers deal with problems, and knowing how to resolve problems, either conflict between students, with students or with parents, require following some steps.   Here are the steps to becoming an more effective problem solver. Heres How: Understand why the problem exists. What is the actual root cause for the problem? If you know something about why the problem exists, youll have a better time of resolving the problem. Lets take the example of a child who doesnt want to come to school. Before you can help identify a solution, it is important to find out why the child doesnt want to come to school. Perhaps bullying is occurring on the bus or in the halls. One of the first steps to effectively solve problems, is delving into the root cause of the problem.Be able to clearly identify the problem and the obstacles that the problem presents. All too often when attempting to address a problem, those problems surrounding the principal cause are considered rather than identifying and resolving the root problem.   Clearly state the problem and what obstacles the problem presents to you. Again, the child who doesnt want to come to school has the problem of it having a negative impact on his/her academic success.Once you have clearly stated the problem, you need to understand what you have control over and what you dont. Your efforts to resolve the problem must be within the areas where you have control. You may not have control whether a child comes to school, but you do have control over dealing with the bully who is creating the barrier to the child not wanting to attend school. Solving problems must focus on the things which you can control. Do you have all the information you need? Solving problems is often like becoming involved in investigations. Have you thoroughly researched why the problem exists? Do you have all the information you need? If not, be persistent and seek out all information before tackling the problem.Dont jump to conclusions. Once you have all of your information, analyze it carefully and look at it from various viewpoints. Be as objective as possible and dont be quick to judge. Remain judgement free as much as possible. This is a time for you to use your critical thinking skills.Now determine your options for solutions. How many options do you have? Are you sure? Which options seem reasonable? Have you weighed the pros and cons of your options? Are there any limitations to your options? Are some options better than others and why? Are there advantages and disadvantages you need to take into consideration?You should now be ready to act. A well thought out strategy/solution is now in place. However, what is your plan to monitor its outcome? How will you know that your solution is working? Once your solution is in place, it is important to monitor and evaulate the outcome regularly. In SummaryYou can use this approach to many of the challenges that arise in your classroom. A child who wont comply, a parent who is unhappy with their childs IEP, an educational assistant with whom you are having some conflict with. The strategies used in this problem solving plan are merely good life long skills to have. Tips: Clearly state the problem.Know what the obstacles are related to the problem.Determine what you have control over and what you dont.Make sure you have ALL the information you need.Identify all of your options and implement the best option for a solution.