Chapter 17, Problem 75A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction needs to be described.

Concept Introduction:

Catalyst: Catalyst is a foreign substance that does not initiate the reaction but generally increase the reaction rate by creating a new pathway with much lower activation energy. The properties of the catalyst remain unchanged after the reaction. The catalyst is generally specific in its action.

Explanation of Solution

  

Catalyst generally increases the reaction rate by creating a new pathway with much lower activation energy. The properties of the catalyst remain unchanged after the reaction. The catalyst is generally specific in its action.

The dotted line in the graph represents the reaction pathway with the catalyst. As the dotted line in the graph represents the reaction pathway with lower activation energy.

The double headed arrow in the graph represents the activation energy of the reaction without catalyst.