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Multiple Choice
What effect do enzymes have on the rate of a chemical reaction?
A
They increase the rate of the reaction by lowering the activation energy.
B
They change the equilibrium constant of the reaction.
C
They have no effect on the rate of the reaction.
D
They decrease the rate of the reaction by increasing the activation energy.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Recall the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes work by lowering this activation energy, making it easier for the reaction to proceed.
Analyze the effect of enzymes on reaction rate: By lowering the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate of the reaction. This means the reaction occurs faster than it would without the enzyme.
Clarify the relationship between enzymes and equilibrium: Enzymes do not change the equilibrium constant of a reaction. They only affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached, not the position of the equilibrium itself.
Evaluate the provided options: Based on the above understanding, the correct answer is that enzymes increase the rate of the reaction by lowering the activation energy. The other options are incorrect because enzymes do not change the equilibrium constant, have no effect on the rate, or decrease the rate by increasing activation energy.