(i) The phenomenon of catalysed reaction is called catalysis and depends on nature of the catalyst. In heterogeneous catalysis, the reactant molecules are adsorbed on the solid catalyst surface while in case of homogeneous catalysis, the catalyst reacts with one of the reactants, forms intermediate and decomposes reforming original catalyst and the products.
(ii) The catalyst provides alternative and lower energy path or mechanism for the reaction.
(iii) In the presence of the catalyst, the activation energy of the reaction is lowered. The height of activation energy barrier is less than that in the uncatalysed reaction.
