A catalyst that is in a different physical state as the reactants is called?

A catalyst that is in a different physical state as the reactants is called?

• A. Homogeneous catalyst
• B. Inhibitor
• C. Heterogeneous catalyst
• D. Enzyme

Answer: (C)

A catalyst that is in a different physical state from the reactants is called heterogenous catalysis. Here, a solid catalyst provides active sites on its surface where gas or liquid reactants adsorb, react, and then desorb as products, lowering the activation energy and speeding up the reaction without the catalyst being consumed. If the catalyst and reactants are in the same phase, it’s homogeneous catalysis. An inhibitor slows or blocks the reaction, not accelerates it. An enzyme is a biological catalyst, typically a protein, but not defined by a phase difference with the reactants.

A catalyst that is in a different physical state from the reactants is called heterogenous catalysis. Here, a solid catalyst provides active sites on its surface where gas or liquid reactants adsorb, react, and then desorb as products, lowering the activation energy and speeding up the reaction without the catalyst being consumed. If the catalyst and reactants are in the same phase, it’s homogeneous catalysis. An inhibitor slows or blocks the reaction, not accelerates it. An enzyme is a biological catalyst, typically a protein, but not defined by a phase difference with the reactants.