Multiple Choice
Which of the following energy profile diagrams best illustrates the effect of a catalyst on the rate of a chemical reaction?
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15. Chemical Kinetics
Catalyst
Multiple Choice
Which component of a chemical reaction is affected when a catalyst is added?
A
The overall stoichiometry of the reaction
B
The enthalpy change (ΔH) of the reaction
C
The activation energy of the reaction
D
The equilibrium constant of the reaction
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
Recall that the overall stoichiometry of a reaction describes the relative amounts of reactants and products and is not changed by the presence of a catalyst.
Recognize that the enthalpy change (\$\(\Delta\) H\$) of a reaction is a state function dependent only on the initial and final states, so it remains unchanged by a catalyst.
Know that the activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to convert into products, and a catalyst lowers this activation energy, making the reaction proceed faster.
Understand that the equilibrium constant depends on the free energy difference between reactants and products and is not affected by a catalyst, since catalysts speed up both forward and reverse reactions equally.
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