For a given reaction, adding a catalyst increases the rate of the reaction by

(1) providing an alternate reaction pathway that has a higher activation energy

(2) providing an alternate reaction pathway that has a lower activation energy

(3) using the same reaction pathway and increasing the activation energy

(4) using the same reaction pathway and decreasing the activation energy

Question

Rory Tyler

Chemistry

17 July, 18:35

For a given reaction, adding a catalyst increases the rate of the reaction by

(1) providing an alternate reaction pathway that has a higher activation energy

(2) providing an alternate reaction pathway that has a lower activation energy

(3) using the same reaction pathway and increasing the activation energy

(4) using the same reaction pathway and decreasing the activation energy

+2

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Thyme · Answer 1

The answer is (2) providing an alternate reaction pathway that has a lower activation energy. The lower activation energy will lead to the increase of rate of the reaction.

Genesis Roach · Answer 2

Answer : Option 2) providing an alternate reaction pathway that has a lower activation energy

Explanation : When a catalyst is added to a chemical reaction it increases the rate of reaction by lowering the energy of activation. It provides an alternate pathway for a reaction to proceed with a lower Ea energy. Usually a catalyst never gets consumed in the reaction process. It will appear in the reaction mechanism steps but not in the overall reaction like reactants and products.