What does adding a catalyst to a reaction do?
Select all that apply.
increase the amount of each product formed by the reaction
lower the activation energy of the reaction (correct)
alter the orientation of reactants in the reaction
increase the rate of the reaction (correct)
To understand what adding a catalyst to a reaction does, let's go over each option:
1. Increase the amount of each product formed by the reaction: This statement is incorrect. A catalyst does not affect the overall amount of product formed in a reaction.
2. Lower the activation energy of the reaction: This statement is correct. A catalyst lowers the activation energy required for a chemical reaction to proceed, making it easier for the reactant molecules to overcome the energy barrier and form products.
3. Alter the orientation of reactants in the reaction: This statement is incorrect. A catalyst does not alter the orientation of reactants in a reaction. It only provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
4. Increase the rate of the reaction: This statement is correct. A catalyst speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction by reducing the energy required for reactant molecules to collide effectively and form products.
So, the correct answers are:
- Lower the activation energy of the reaction
- Increase the rate of the reaction