Final answer:
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed or altering the final outcome of the reaction, ultimately helping it reach equilibrium more quickly.
Step-by-step explanation:
A catalyst is a chemical that increases the rate of a reaction but does not change itself at the end of the reaction or change the nature of the reaction or its final result. In essence, a catalyst serves as a chemical change agent, enhancing the rate and force at which atoms, ions, and molecules collide which increases the likelihood of interactions between their valence shell electrons. A notable point about catalysts is that they do not alter the equilibrium position of a reaction; instead, they enable reactions to achieve equilibrium more swiftly.
In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any change. You can think of a catalyst as a chemical change agent. They help increase the rate and force at which atoms, ions, and molecules collide, thereby increasing the probability that their valence shell electrons will interact.