EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -A catalyst is a substance that can be added to a reaction to increase the reaction rate without getting consumed in the process. Catalysts typically speed up a reaction by reducing the activation energy or changing the reaction mechanism.

Detailed explanation-2: -Correct option: B. Explanation: Catalysts typically speed up a reaction by reducing the activation energy.

Detailed explanation-3: -The rate of a reaction can be increased by adding a suitable catalyst. A catalyst is a substance which increases the rate of a chemical reaction but it is not used up (remains chemically unchanged at the end). It provides an alternative reaction pathway of lower activation energy.

Detailed explanation-4: -A positive catalyst increases the rate of reaction. A negative catalyst decreases the rate of reaction. The catalyst does not influence the amount of product formed. In the presence of a catalyst, an alternative pathway of reaction with lower activation energy is made available.

Detailed explanation-5: -In general, increasing the concentration of a reactant in solution, increasing the surface area of a solid reactant, and increasing the temperature of the reaction system will all increase the rate of a reaction. A reaction can also be sped up by adding a catalyst to the reaction mixture.