How does adding a positive catalyst increase the rate of a chemical reaction?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Lowers activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway
- Step 1: A catalyst provides an alternative mechanism with a lower activation energy barrier E_a. Step 2. A greater fraction of reactant molecules possess sufficient energy to overcome the barrier, accelerating the rate. Answer: Lowers activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway. Why not the others: Kinetic energy is increased by heating, not catalysts; standard enthalpy Delta H is unchanged; equilibrium constant K_eq is never altered by catalysts.
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