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Multiple Choice
In the context of catalysis, what role does an enzyme play in a chemical reaction?
A
It alters the overall energy change of the reaction.
B
It lowers the activation energy of the reaction.
C
It increases the concentration of reactants.
D
It changes the equilibrium constant of the reaction.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Identify the effect of enzymes on activation energy: Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, which is the energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed.
Clarify the impact on reaction rate: By lowering the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate at which the reaction occurs, allowing it to proceed more quickly under the same conditions.
Examine the effect on the overall energy change: Enzymes do not alter the overall energy change (ΔG) of the reaction; they only affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached.
Consider the equilibrium constant: Enzymes do not change the equilibrium constant of a reaction; they only help the system reach equilibrium faster by lowering the activation energy.