An initiator needs to tell when and how fast the chemical reaction will take place. Which is needed to achieve this?

• A. Temperature
• B. A catalyst
• C. A solvent
• D. UV light

Answer: (B)

The key idea is using a catalyst to control how fast a chemical reaction happens and when it starts. A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, so at the same temperature the reaction proceeds more quickly and predictably. This lets you trigger the reaction and steady its rate under defined conditions, which is essential for achieving consistent curing times in nail chemistries. While temperature, solvents, or UV light can influence rate or initiate the reaction, they don’t offer the same reliable control over both when the reaction begins and how fast it proceeds as a catalyst does.