Of the following, will lower the activation energy for a reaction. Select one: O a. adding a catalyst for the reaction O b. increasing the concentrations of the reactants O c. raising the temperature of the reaction O d. removing products as the reaction proceeds O e. increasing the pressure

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### Lowering Activation Energy in Chemical Reactions

In chemical kinetics, the activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a reaction to occur. Several factors can influence the activation energy of a reaction. Understanding which factors can lower the activation energy is crucial for controlling the rate of chemical reactions in various practical applications.

#### Question:
Of the following, ________ will lower the activation energy for a reaction.

#### Options:
a. adding a catalyst for the reaction  
b. increasing the concentrations of the reactants  
c. raising the temperature of the reaction  
d. removing products as the reaction proceeds  
e. increasing the pressure  

**Explanation:**

- **a. Adding a catalyst for the reaction**: Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process. They achieve this by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This makes it easier for reactants to convert to products.

- **b. Increasing the concentrations of the reactants**: While increasing the concentration of reactants can increase the rate of reaction by providing more reactant molecules to collide, it does not affect the activation energy itself.

- **c. Raising the temperature of the reaction**: Increasing the temperature typically increases the kinetic energy of the molecules involved, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions. Although this speeds up the reaction, it does not lower the activation energy.

- **d. Removing products as the reaction proceeds**: This can shift the reaction equilibrium according to Le Chatelier’s principle, possibly leading to a higher conversion rate of reactants to products, but it does not directly affect the activation energy.

- **e. Increasing the pressure**: For reactions involving gases, increasing the pressure can bring reactant molecules closer together, increasing collision rates. However, this too does not directly lower the activation energy.

**Correct Answer:**
a. adding a catalyst for the reaction
Transcribed Image Text:### Lowering Activation Energy in Chemical Reactions In chemical kinetics, the activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a reaction to occur. Several factors can influence the activation energy of a reaction. Understanding which factors can lower the activation energy is crucial for controlling the rate of chemical reactions in various practical applications. #### Question: Of the following, ________ will lower the activation energy for a reaction. #### Options: a. adding a catalyst for the reaction b. increasing the concentrations of the reactants c. raising the temperature of the reaction d. removing products as the reaction proceeds e. increasing the pressure **Explanation:** - **a. Adding a catalyst for the reaction**: Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process. They achieve this by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This makes it easier for reactants to convert to products. - **b. Increasing the concentrations of the reactants**: While increasing the concentration of reactants can increase the rate of reaction by providing more reactant molecules to collide, it does not affect the activation energy itself. - **c. Raising the temperature of the reaction**: Increasing the temperature typically increases the kinetic energy of the molecules involved, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions. Although this speeds up the reaction, it does not lower the activation energy. - **d. Removing products as the reaction proceeds**: This can shift the reaction equilibrium according to Le Chatelier’s principle, possibly leading to a higher conversion rate of reactants to products, but it does not directly affect the activation energy. - **e. Increasing the pressure**: For reactions involving gases, increasing the pressure can bring reactant molecules closer together, increasing collision rates. However, this too does not directly lower the activation energy. **Correct Answer:** a. adding a catalyst for the reaction
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