Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. They work by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy, allowing the reaction to occur more easily. For example, in the Haber process for producing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, iron catalysts are used to speed up the reaction. This allows the production of ammonia to occur at a much faster rate than if the reaction were to proceed without a catalyst. Catalysts are important in industry as they can increase the efficiency of chemical reactions, saving time and money. They are also used in biological systems, such as enzymes in our bodies that catalyze metabolic reactions. It is important to note that catalysts do not change the overall energy of the reaction, nor do they change the equilibrium constant. They simply provide a different pathway for the reaction to occur, thereby increasing the reaction rate. In conclusion, catalysts play a crucial role in chemistry by speeding up reactions and increasing efficiency. Their ability to provide an alternative pathway with lower activation energy makes them essential in both industrial and biological processes.