Best answer
Decreasing the activation energy
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What happens when a catalyst is added to a reaction?
See below. A reaction needs a certain amount of energy, called the activation energy, for its reactants to form products. When a catalyst is added, it provides an alternative pathway for the reactants to form products by lowering the activation energy. So the products are formed with a lower activation energy.
What is a catalyst in chemistry?
A catalyst is a substance which speeds up a reaction, but is chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction. When the reaction has finished, you would have exactly the same mass of catalyst as you had at the beginning. Some examples Some common examples which you may need for other parts of your syllabus include: reaction
Why does the rate of a reaction depend on the energy?
Because of this constant exchange of energy, given time all the particles will react if the reacting proportions are right. Catalysts and activation energy To increase the rate of a reaction you need to increase the number of successful collisions.
What is the difference between a positive and negative catalyst?
Answer: Positive catalyst: A positive catalyst is considered a catalyst that improves the reaction rate. By accepting a narrower path, such a catalyst reduces activation energy, so the rate of reaction is increased. Negative catalyst (Inhibitor): A negative catalyst is considered a catalyst that reduces or slows the reaction rate.