Chapter 17, Problem 5A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The concept of catalyst along with its effect on the speed of the reaction is to be given.

Concept introduction: A catalyst is a substance when added to a reaction mixture increases the rate of the reaction without itself getting consumed in the reaction. It does so by getting regenerated at the end of the reaction.

Answer to Problem 5A

A catalyst is a substance when added to a reaction mixture increases the rate of the reaction without itself getting consumed in the reaction. It does so by providing an alternate pathway to the reactants to proceed and form products that requires lesser activation energy.

Explanation of Solution

In order for the reactants to proceed to form products, they must cross an energy barrier. For this they need to gain energy called activation energy. Addition of catalysts provides an alternate pathway that requires lesser activation energy. This increases the rate of reaction

Conclusion

A catalyst is a substance when added to a reaction mixture increases the rate of the reaction without itself getting consumed in the reaction. It does so by providing an alternate pathway to the reactants to proceed and form products that requires lesser activation energy.