Catalyst

[Jessica Jones 2B]

How are you able to determine which molecule is the catalyst?

[Christine Wastila 1H]

I assume you mean in a chemical equation. In this case, since catalysts are neither reactants nor products, they are written above the arrow. If that's not given, I think it would have to be stated in the problem.

[Renee Delamater 2H]

I agree - usually the enzyme or catalyst is used in the rxn to change its rate. It wold go above the equation or be given in the word problem.

[Jessica Jones 2B]

Yes I thought that was true as well but for problem 5.71, it asks you to figure out which molecule is the catalyst from the equations? How do I do this?

[vicenteruelos3]

Catalysts are not consumed so in the steps of the reaction, the species that is used as a reactant in one step, and comes out as a product in a future step is the catalyst

[Nicole Jacobs 1C]

the catalyst is in the reactant side of the first step and in one of the other steps it is on the reactant side, so it is used

[Marina Georgies 1C]

Catalysts are enzymes; they are "recycled." So look for the substance that appears as a reactant in the first step of a reaction, and the reappears later as a product.