Answer:
Catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction but is chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction.
properties of catalyst :
1. A catalyst increases the speed of a reaction, and it also improves the yield of the intended product.
2. A catalyst actually takes part in the reaction even though it itself is not consumed or used up in the course of the reaction.
3. A catalyst makes the reaction faster by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy.
4. A catalyst is reaction-specific. It may not be effective in another reaction even if the two reactions are of similar type.
5. In a reversible reaction, a catalyst accelerates both the forward and the reverse reactions. So, the inclusion of a catalyst does not alter the equilibrium constant of a reversible reaction.