Question
Chemistry Question on Chemical bonding and molecular structure
A catalyst is added to a reaction to increase the rate of reaction. Which of the following statements is correct?
(A) A catalyst increases the activation energy between reactants and products and hence, lowers the potential energy barrier.
(B) A catalyst provides an alternate pathway or reaction mechanism.
(C) A catalyst alters G, Gibbs energy of reaction.
(D) A catalyst changes the equilibrium constant of a reaction.
(B) A catalyst provides an alternate pathway or reaction mechanism.
Solution
Explanation:
A catalyst works by providing an alternative reaction pathway to the reaction product. The rate of the reaction is increased as this alternative route has lower activation energy than the reaction route not mediated by the catalyst.Hence, the correct option is (B).