Question

Which of the following statements is not correct?

(a) The efficiency of a solid catalyst depends upon its surface area

(b) Catalyst operates by providing alternate path for the reaction that involves a lower energy of activation

(c) Catalyst lowers the energy of activation of the forward reaction without affecting the energy or activation of the backward reaction

(d) Catalyst does not affect the overall enthalpy change of the reaction

The question was asked during a job interview.

This key question is from Surface Chemistry topic in portion Surface Chemistry of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) Catalyst lowers the energy of activation of the forward reaction without affecting the energy or activation of the backward reaction

The explanation is: A catalyst provides an alternate pathway for the reaction that has lower activation energy. When activation energy is lower, more reactant particles have enough energy to react and so the reaction occurs faster.