Module 2

Module 2—Talking Energy

Lesson 3—Catalysts

Get Focused

As you researched the performance of biodiesel in the previous lesson, did you come across personal accounts from people who have been making and using biodiesel in their own automobiles? You probably came across information that identifies the importance of using a strong base—a hydroxide—when preparing biodiesel. Why is sodium hydroxide, or alternatively potassium hydroxide, essential to making biodiesel? As you will learn in this lesson, these compounds act as catalysts in the chemical reaction that produces biodiesel. Catalysts are the focus of this lesson.

Consider the following questions as you complete Lesson 3:

• What is a catalyst?
• How does a catalyst influence a chemical reaction?

Module 2: Lesson 3 Assignment

In the Lesson 3 assignment you will design a laboratory investigation to compare catalysts used in the preparation of biodiesel. Download a copy of the Module 2: Lesson 3 Assignment to your computer now. You will receive further instructions on how to complete this assignment later in the lesson. You will also continue your work on the Module 2 Assessment by completing a Reflect on the Big Picture exercise.

You must decide what to do with the questions that are not marked by the teacher.

Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. You should respond to all the questions and place those answers in your course folder.