What role does a catalyst play in a chemical reaction in terms of rate and yield
A catalyst increases the rate but does not increase the yield assuming we talk equilibrium with and without the catalyst.
Thank you
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy. It does not directly participate in the reaction and remains unchanged at the end of the reaction, allowing it to be reused.
In terms of reaction rate, a catalyst increases the speed at which the reaction reaches equilibrium. It achieves this by lowering the activation energy, which is the energy barrier that reactant molecules must overcome in order to undergo a successful reaction. By lowering the activation energy, more reactant molecules will have sufficient energy to proceed with the reaction, resulting in a faster reaction rate.
When it comes to yield, a catalyst can have various effects depending on the specific reaction. Some catalysts help increase the yield by promoting the desired reaction pathway and minimizing side reactions. Others may improve reaction selectivity by favoring the formation of specific products over others.
To better understand the role of a catalyst, you can experimentally study the reaction with and without the catalyst. This involves performing the reaction under controlled conditions while varying the presence or absence of the catalyst. By comparing reaction rates and product yields in these different scenarios, you can assess the impact of the catalyst on both the rate and yield of the chemical reaction.