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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a way that enzymes act to increase the rate of a chemical reaction?
A
Providing energy to the reactants
B
Lowering the activation energy of the reaction
C
Changing the equilibrium position of the reaction
D
Increasing the temperature of the reaction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Recognize that enzymes do not provide energy to the reactants or increase the temperature of the reaction. Instead, they facilitate the reaction by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy.
Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur. Enzymes lower this energy barrier, allowing more reactant molecules to have enough energy to reach the transition state.
Enzymes do not change the equilibrium position of a reaction. They only affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached by lowering the activation energy.
Conclude that the primary way enzymes increase the rate of a chemical reaction is by lowering the activation energy, making it easier for the reaction to proceed.