Multiple Choice
Which of the following processes is used to speed up chemical reactions?
15. Chemical Kinetics
Catalyst
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Which process would speed up a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy?
A
Adding a catalyst
B
Increasing the concentration of reactants
C
Increasing the pressure
D
Increasing the temperature
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Lowering the activation energy makes it easier for reactants to transform into products.
Identify the role of a catalyst: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It achieves this by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
Consider the effect of a catalyst on reaction rate: By decreasing the activation energy, a catalyst allows more reactant molecules to have enough energy to react, thus speeding up the reaction rate.
Differentiate between the options: Increasing the concentration of reactants, pressure, or temperature can also increase reaction rates, but they do not decrease the activation energy. These methods increase the number of effective collisions or the energy of the molecules.
Conclude with the correct choice: Adding a catalyst is the only option that specifically decreases the activation energy, thereby speeding up the reaction rate.
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