This unit discusses in detail the role of catalysts to lower the activation energy of
reactions. The term catalyst appears in nonscientific discussions to refer to something
that provokes or speeds significant change or action. Consider this example from the 2006 Associated Press article "Chernobyl cover-up a catalyst for glasnost".
"For the Soviet Union, Chernobyl was a catalyst that forced the government into an
unprecedented show of openness that paved the way for reforms leading to the Soviet
collapse
Discuss how this scientific term has made its way into common usage. Does the
term catalyst carry the same meaning in regular usage? How is it used differently in a
scientific context compared to a nonscientific context?

the design of a ski jumping suit involves a trade-off between giving the skiers lift to get higher jumps and ensuring the skier does not face a lot of drag before the jump itself. an expansive suit may to lift the skier higher, but at the same time, it will also increase the air resistance. higher air resistance as the skier goes down the slope limits the speed of the jump. a big suit also increases the risk of losing balance or control, especially if there's a strong gust of wind. while technologically enhanced suits a lot, clothing is not the only factor in a ski jumper’s success. gathering speed while skiing down the slope, ensuring good speed on the ramp, and maintaining good body posture and form in the air all contribute to a ski jumper's success.