Chapter 20, Problem 11RQ

To determine

The way by which a catalyst affects the activation energy of a reaction.

Answer to Problem 11RQ

The catalyst reduces the amount of energy required for the reaction or the activation energy of a reaction.

Explanation of Solution

The least amount of energy needed by the reactant molecule to get converted into the product molecules is termed as the activation energy. Thus, the activation energy is the minimum required energy barrier which when passed by the reactant molecule can get converted into the product molecule to complete the reaction. Therefore, the term activation energy is used to describe the minimum amount of energy required for a reaction to complete.

The catalysts are the species which does not involve in the reaction process but decreases the energy needed for the reactant molecule to convert into the product. Thus, the catalyst decreases the activation energy of a reaction and in turn increases the rate of a reaction.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the catalyst usually reduces or decreases the activation energy of a reaction.