Question detail
What effect does a catalyst have on the activation energy of a reaction?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Kinetics
Question
- A. It increases the activation energy
- B. It decreases the activation energy
- C. It has no effect on activation energy
- D. It changes the reaction products
Answer
It decreases the activation energy
Explanation
A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, which increases the rate of reaction without being consumed in the process.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Activation Energy
Students often confuse activation energy with the overall energy change of a reaction, thinking it is the energy released or absorbed during the reaction.
Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur, not the energy change. To clarify, remember that activation energy is a barrier that must be overcome for reactants to convert into products.
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