Questions: Question 3 (2 points) Which statement(s) best describes how a catalyst can speed up a chemical reaction? 1: lowering the activation energy 11: increasing the activation energy III: lowering the energy of the products IV: creating a alternative reaction pathway a) I only b) II only c) I and III d) I and IV e) 4,111 III, and IV

Question 3 (2 points)

Which statement(s) best describes how a catalyst can speed up a chemical reaction?
1: lowering the activation energy
11: increasing the activation energy
III: lowering the energy of the products
IV: creating a alternative reaction pathway
a) I only
b) II only
c) I and III
d) I and IV
e) 4,111 III, and IV

Transcript text: Question 3 (2 points) Which statement(s) best describes how a catalyst can speed up a chemical reaction? 1: lowering the activation energy 11: increasing the activation energy III: lowering the energy of the products IV: creating a alternative reaction pathway a) I only b) II only c) I and III d) I and IV e) 4,111 III, and IV

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Role of a Catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It achieves this by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.

Step 2: Analyzing Each Statement

Statement I: Lowering the activation energy
This is correct. A catalyst lowers the activation energy, making it easier for the reaction to occur.
Statement II: Increasing the activation energy
This is incorrect. A catalyst does not increase the activation energy; it lowers it.
Statement III: Lowering the energy of the products
This is incorrect. A catalyst does not change the energy of the products; it only affects the activation energy.
Statement IV: Creating an alternative reaction pathway
This is correct. A catalyst provides an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy.

Step 3: Selecting the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, the correct statements are I and IV.