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A catalyst is not a product or a reactant of a chemical reaction why not
15. Chemical Kinetics
Catalyst
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What effect does an inhibitor have on a chemical reaction?
A
It has no effect on the reaction rate.
B
It increases the reaction rate.
C
It decreases the reaction rate.
D
It changes the reaction mechanism.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of an inhibitor: An inhibitor is a substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction. It does this by interfering with the reactants or the catalyst involved in the reaction.
Consider the effect on reaction rate: An inhibitor typically slows down the reaction rate by either binding to the reactants or the catalyst, preventing them from interacting effectively.
Explore the mechanism change: In some cases, an inhibitor can alter the reaction mechanism, which is the step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions by which overall chemical change occurs.
Distinguish from catalysts: Unlike catalysts, which increase the reaction rate without being consumed, inhibitors decrease the reaction rate and may be consumed or altered during the process.
Summarize the impact: The primary effect of an inhibitor is to decrease the reaction rate, potentially changing the pathway or mechanism by which the reaction proceeds.
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