The effect of a catalyst on the state of chemical equilibrium. Presented by : Kazi Hossain, Eric Valenti and Walid Rankousi.

What is a catalyst? A substance that increases the reaction rate yet doesn’t change the result of conversion, meaning the same products will be produced with or without a catalyst. It is also not consumed in the process. A catalyst provides an alternative path requiring less activation energy for reactants to react, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction. The activation energy is reduced by allowing a greater number of particles to have the kinetic energy required to react. A catalyst doesn’t change the equilibrium of a system, but allows equilibrium to be attained more quickly. When equilibrium is attained, the concentration of the reactants and the products are unaffected by the use of a catalyst.

Example of a catalyst in a reaction. CH4(g)+H2O(g) ↔ CO(g)+3H2(g) As show by the above reaction, methane and water react to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction rate for this reaction can be increased by the use of Nickel (Ni), which acts as a catalyst. The hydrogen gas made can then be used for the production of rocket fuel and chemical fertilizers.

Chemical equilibrium in everyday life.

Earth’s Equilibrium The quality of life on earth is closely linked to the dynamic equilibrium of the biosphere, meaning the reactants are converted into products at an equal and constant rate to the products decomposing into reactants. The equilibrium is established due to the life-essential elements, such as: carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. The earth is generally considered a closed system, yet it is debatable…. The planet’s equilibrium is in peril due to the various disruptions caused by mankind, such as climate change, the greenhouse effect and the intensification of human activity .

Climate Change The increase in greenhouse gases and climate change can be attributed to disturbances in the carbon cycle caused by human activity, such as: The overuse of cars. Factories that mass produce material everyday. The release of carbon dioxide by humans themselves.

Intensification of human activity

Quiz How does a catalyst affect a system's rate to attain its state of equilibrium? A) It slows it down. B) It speeds it up. C) It has no effect. D) What's a catalyst?

Quiz Answer: B. A system’s rate to attain its state of equilibrium can be increased through the use of a catalyst since it creates an alternative path with lower activation energy prompting many more reactants to go to completion.

Quiz Do catalysts have any effect on a system's equilibrium? A) Yes B) No C) Probably D) ...Still don't know what a catalyst is.

Quiz Answer: B. Catalysts do not have any effect on a system’s equilibrium as it does not change the ratio of elements on either side of the reaction, nor their concentrations.

Quiz In a state of dynamic equilibrium, is the earth a: A) Closed system. B) Open system. C) Isolated System. D) All of the above.

Quiz Answer: B. Since the definition of a closed system is that energy is able to enter and exit from a system without any exchanges in matter, the earth is mostly classified as a closed system due to the sun’s rays entering the Earth’s atmosphere yet mostly being reflected back to space. However, matter does enter Earth through the form of meteorites, and the atmosphere also loses hydrogen atoms to space, making Earth an open system.

Quiz Which group of elements are essential to the biogeochemical cycles of life? A) Gold, silver and copper. B) Mercury, plutonium and iron. C) Hydrogen, sodium and krypton. D) Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Quiz Answer: D. Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus are reputable for being the progenitor elements of all life on Earth. Carbon is an organic molecule found in all lifeforms. Nitrogen plays a key role in DNA synthesis and contrary to popular belief, the air contains more nitrogen than oxygen. Phosphorus is another major element that is required for the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) which is a form of energy the body uses.

Quiz Which factor threatens the equilibrium of the planet? A) The mass use of agricultural fertilizers. B) The high production of greenhouse gases. C) The overuse of coal and oil. D) All of the above.

Quiz Answer: D. All of the factors listed are serious issues that threaten the equilibrium of the planet.

Quiz What effect(s) can climate change incur? A) Global temperature to rise. B) Increased numbers of natural disasters. C) Economic instability. D) None of the above.

Quiz Answer: All of the above (except D). Climate change can incur a rise in global temperature, an increase in natural disasters and economic instability, one after the other. Therefore it is important to stop climate change while we still can, and regard catastrophes like the earthquakes in Japan and Haiti with serious attention, because who knows, we just might be next….

Thanks for listening!