A scientist carries out a reaction twice. In Trial A, the scientist combines the reactants in a container. In Trial B, the scientist combines the reactants in the same container, but she also adds a catalyst. If everything else is the same about the two trials, what is most likely true about Trial B?
• It will produce different products than Trial A.
• It will have a lower activation energy than Trial A.
• It will have a higher overall energy output than Trial A.
• It will produce more product than Trial A.
1 answer
The most likely true statement about Trial B, based on the information given, is that it will produce more product than Trial A. Adding a catalyst to a reaction typically increases the rate of the reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This means that more reactant molecules can successfully collide and react, leading to a higher yield of product.