Multiple Choice
When compared with the normal reaction pathway, a catalyzed reaction pathway will always have:
77
views
15. Chemical Kinetics
Catalyst
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the effect of a catalyst on a chemical reaction?
A
A catalyst increases the rate of reaction by lowering the activation energy, but does not change the equilibrium position.
B
A catalyst decreases the rate of reaction and increases the activation energy.
C
A catalyst increases the rate of reaction by increasing the temperature of the system.
D
A catalyst increases both the rate of reaction and shifts the equilibrium toward the products.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand what a catalyst does in a chemical reaction: it provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, which increases the rate of the reaction.
Recall that a catalyst does not affect the overall thermodynamics of the reaction, meaning it does not change the equilibrium constant or the position of equilibrium.
Recognize that a catalyst does not change the temperature of the system; temperature is an external condition and not influenced by the catalyst itself.
Note that increasing the activation energy or decreasing the rate of reaction is the opposite of what a catalyst does, so those statements are incorrect.
Conclude that the correct description is that a catalyst increases the rate of reaction by lowering the activation energy but does not change the equilibrium position.
Related Videos
Related Practice
