Chapter 9, Problem 9.55EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The energy diagram graph for an exothermic reaction with catalyst and without catalyst has to be drawn and the similarities and differences between the two have to be indicated.

Concept Introduction:

Exothermic reaction:

The chemical reaction in which heat energy is released known as exothermic reaction.  The chemical bond will determine whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic.  If the energy released by bond formation is greater than the energy required to break the bond, then the reaction is said to exothermic.

Presence of Catalysts:

Catalyst is a substance which can increase the rate of the reaction without altering the reaction.  It will provide alternative pathways for the reaction, thereby lowering the activation energy.  For attaining equilibrium in a reversible process, the catalyst will lowers the activation energies of both forward and backward reactions.