Catalysts and activation energy
Start by defining what a catalyst is.
Link back to previous topic to remind users what activiation energy is.
Insert image of Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve wihch include what happens when a catalyst is added (based on AE_CI_01_IMA)
If one examines the distribution of energies in a reacting mixture it is possible to see that the distribution is wide ranging.
However there is a threshold energy above which coliding reactant molecules will undergos a successful collision and form a new material. This is the activation energySeen on the graph as EA. Catalysts are chemcials which provide an alternative mechanism for a chemical reaction.
It is possible therefore to see that if a catalyst is deployed and it provides a mechanism which requires a lower activation energy (seen on the graph as EAC then there will now be a greater proportion of particles with sufficient energy to successfully react.
Could present the above text as a series of click and reveal questions based on the image - to get the idea across.