Organic Chemistry : Help with Activation Energy and Catalysts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Organic Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Reaction Mechanisms, Energetics, And Kinematics

With what mechanism do catalysts speed up a reaction?

Possible Answers:

They lower the activation energy of the reaction.

They increase the \(\displaystyle \Delta G\) of the reaction.

They raise the activation energy of the reaction.

They lower the \(\displaystyle \Delta G\) of the reaction.

Correct answer:

They lower the activation energy of the reaction.

Explanation:

Regarding chemical reactions, the activation energy is the minimum energy which must be available in a chemical system in order for reactants to participate in a chemical reaction. Catalysts speed up reactions by lowering this minimum energy. Raising it would have the opposite effect. Catalysts do not alter the \(\displaystyle \Delta G\) of a reaction. Remember this--it is a common error to make!

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