Question

For each of the following, state if it would increase or decrease or have no effect on the reaction rate by choosing the correct answer from the dropdown menu.

a). increasing the value of k
b). adding a catalyst
c). lowering the temperature

Answer 1

Adding a catalyst increases the reaction rate by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy. Lowering the temperature decreases the reaction rate due to reduced kinetic energy and fewer successful collisions between reactants.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering how different factors affect the rate of a chemical reaction, adding a catalyst typically increases the reaction rate. Catalysts provide an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy for the reaction, without being consumed in the reaction themselves. This allows reactant molecules to convert to products faster.

On the other hand, lowering the temperature generally decreases the reaction rate. This is due to a decrease in kinetic energy which results in fewer collisions between reactant molecules and hence a lower chance of successful collisions that lead to a reaction.