Question detail

How do catalysts affect activation energy?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

Show answer Topic hub Objective page

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Rate of reaction

Question

A. They increase the activation energy required for a reaction
B. They decrease the activation energy required for a reaction
C. They have no effect on activation energy
D. They change the products of the reaction

Answer

They decrease the activation energy required for a reaction

Explanation

The correct answer is They decrease the activation energy required for a reaction. This answer directly addresses the question: How do catalysts affect activation energy? It matches the approved Chemistry 8462 learning objective and the linked subtopic. The other options are incorrect because they either change the rate, catalyst, reversible reaction, equilibrium, or graph context, or they do not answer the exact point being tested.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Reaction Profiles

Students often confuse the energy levels of reactants and products in catalysed and uncatalysed reactions on reaction profiles.

To fix this, students should practice sketching reaction profiles, clearly labeling the activation energy for both catalysed and uncatalysed pathways, and noting how the catalyst lowers the activation energy.

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