Answer: A catalyst is a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up and remains chemically unchanged itself .
Explanation: For a reaction to take place the particles must collide with enough energy for bonds to break and reaction to occur .
BUT when a catalyst is present the reactants are able to react in a way that requires less energy ,leading to more successful collision so the reaction speeds up without the chemical composition of the catalyst being affected
NOTE: the catalyst must be chosen to suit the particular reaction
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