How does the presence of a catalyst affect the activation energy of a reaction? It depends on whether you are talking about the
forward or the reverse reaction. A catalyst decreases the activation energy of a reaction. A catalyst increases the activation energy of a reaction. A catalyst does not affect the activation energy of a reaction.
1 answer:
Answer:
A catalyst decreases the activation energy of a reaction.
Explanation:
A catalyst allows a reaction to go through a new pathway that has a lower activation energy. Therefore, it will recquire less energy to reach the transition state (activated complex) which increases the rate of the reaction. This is the reason why adding a catalyst makes a reaction faster.
The figure attached shows the graphical representation of the effect of a catalyst on the activation energy.
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