Chemistry · Rate of a chemical reaction, factors affecting the rate of reactions: concentration, temperature, pressure and catalyst

According to the adsorption theory of catalysis,the speed of the reaction increa

According to the adsorption theory of catalysis,the speed of the reaction increase because:

  • A. The concentration of reactant molecules at the active centers of the catalyst becomes high due to adsorption
  • B. In the process of adsorption, the activation energy of the molecules becomes large
  • C. Adsorption produces heat which increases the speed of the reaction
  • D. Adsorption lowers the activation energy of the reaction.

Step-by-step solution

According to the adsorption theory of catalysis, the catalyst provides a surface where reactants are adsorbed. This adsorption weakens the chemical bonds in the reactants, thereby lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. A lower activation energy increases the fraction of molecules with sufficient energy to react, which significantly increases the reaction rate. Option A (increased concentration) can contribute, but the primary reason is the reduction in activation energy.
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