Question

Predict how the addition of a catalyst would affect the rate of the reaction below, and explain your prediction. h2 (g) + i2 (g) 2hi

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

A catalyst helps in increasing the rate of a chemical reaction without itself getting consumed in the reaction.

Basically, a catalyst decreases the activation energy so that reactant molecules can easily participate in the reaction.

For example, when a catalyst is added to
`H_(2)(g) + I_(2)(g) \rightarrow 2HI` then there will be a decrease in activation energy and both reactants (hydrogen and iodine) can easily participate in the chemical reaction.

As a result, formation of product (HI) becomes faster.

Thus, we can conclude that a catalyst helps in increasing the rate of a reaction.

Answer 2

The reaction will start sooner and maybe come to an end sooner than if no catalyst was added.
This can be explained as follows:
For the chemical reaction to occur, the minimum required activation energy must be available in the system.
A catalyst decreases this activation energy resulting in an earlier start and maybe an earlier termination of the reaction.