Katalüütilistes

Katalüütilistes refers to the Estonian word for "catalytic." In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. Catalysts work by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This means that less energy is required for the reaction to occur, leading to a faster rate of reaction. Catalysts are not consumed in the reaction and can be used over and over again.

There are many types of catalysts, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Homogeneous catalysts are in the same phase as the reactants, while heterogeneous catalysts are in a different phase. Enzymes are biological catalysts that are essential for many biological processes. Catalytic converters in vehicles are a common example of heterogeneous catalysts, used to reduce harmful emissions. Catalysis plays a vital role in numerous industrial processes, such as the production of ammonia, plastics, and fuels, contributing significantly to various sectors of the economy and environmental protection efforts.