Catalyst Classes

Mr. Anderson explains the three types of catalysts: acid-base, surface, and enzyme catalysts. Acid-base catalysts involve proton transfer to speed up reactions, exemplified by sulfuric acid in refining processes. Surface catalysts, often metals, increase reaction rates through adsorption, as seen in the Haber process. Enzyme catalysts, biological in nature, lower activation energy and facilitate reactions in living organisms, such as the breakdown of sucrose by sucrase.

What are the three different types of catalysts mentioned in the video?

How does an acid-base catalyst work?

What is the role of sulfuric acid in the refining process?

Explain the process of adsorption in surface catalysts.

What is the Haber process and why is it significant?

Describe how enzyme catalysts function in biological systems.

What happens when there is a lack of lactase in the body?