Multiple Choice
Which term best describes a substance that influences the rate of a chemical reaction but is not consumed or permanently changed by the reaction?
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15. Chemical Kinetics
Catalyst
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how a catalyst affects a chemical reaction?
A
It is consumed during the reaction and forms a new product.
B
It increases the activation energy and decreases the reaction rate.
C
It changes the equilibrium position of the reaction.
D
It lowers the activation energy and increases the reaction rate without being consumed.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction: a catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
Recall that activation energy (\[E_a\]) is the minimum energy required for reactants to transform into products, and lowering \[E_a\] increases the reaction rate.
Recognize that a catalyst is not consumed in the reaction; it participates temporarily and is regenerated by the end of the process.
Know that a catalyst does not change the equilibrium position of the reaction; it only helps the system reach equilibrium faster.
Summarize that the correct description is: a catalyst lowers the activation energy and increases the reaction rate without being consumed.
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