What is a catalyst?

United States
January 28, 2010 11:49pm CST
I looked up catalyst but don't understand the definition of it. Could someone explain it in a way that is easy to understand?
3 responses
SteveJi
@SteveJi (78)
• China
29 Jan 10
OK, I'd like try to explain it in my poor English. Catalyst is something that can help or expedite chemical reaction, but it will not change itself in the reaction.
notlsra
@notlsra (25)
• India
29 Jan 10
A catalyst scientifically is some substance that causes or speeds up some reaction, but without it being affected itself. Imagine something that causes 'change' in others...but when all this change is going on around it, the catalyst doesn't change itself... is it understandable??
kd_fmay
@kd_fmay (554)
• Philippines
29 Jan 10
A catalyst is someone (or an event) that causes change. A concise explanation, isn't? Have a nice day!