A catalyst changes the mechanism of a reaction

AI Thread Summary
A catalyst does lower the activation energy and affects the rate of a chemical reaction, but it does not change the energy of the products or the overall reaction's exothermic or endothermic nature. The discussion centers on whether a catalyst changes the mechanism of a reaction, with options b and d being debated. Participants indicate that statements a and c are true, while d is misleading as it implies a catalyst alters product energy. The consensus leans towards understanding that while a catalyst facilitates a reaction, it does not change the fundamental energy profile of the reactants and products. Overall, a catalyst changes the pathway of a reaction without altering the energy of the products.
force
I know that this one can't be a. or c. which is true but, i think its either b. or d., does a catalyst change the mechanism of a chemical reaction ?


Which statement is not correct regarding the function of a catalyst?

a. A catalyst lowers the activation energy.
b. A catalyst changes the mechanism of a reaction.
c. A catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction.
d. A catalyst lowers the energy of the product, causing the _____reaction to be more exothermic.
e. none of these
 
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Try finding out how a catalyst lowers the activation energy. That should give you the answer.
 
Well, let's just say that siddharth has given you a BIG hint there.
 
"OMG he broke teh rules!111"

j/k
 
Thread 'Confusion regarding a chemical kinetics problem'

Thread 'Confusion regarding a chemical kinetics problem'

TL;DR Summary: cannot find out error in solution proposed. [![question with rate laws][1]][1] Now the rate law for the reaction (i.e reaction rate) can be written as: $$ R= k[N_2O_5] $$ my main question is, WHAT is this reaction equal to? what I mean here is, whether $$k[N_2O_5]= -d[N_2O_5]/dt$$ or is it $$k[N_2O_5]= -1/2 \frac{d}{dt} [N_2O_5] $$ ? The latter seems to be more apt, as the reaction rate must be -1/2 (disappearance rate of N2O5), which adheres to the stoichiometry of the...
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