A scientist is studying the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). The scientist adds a small amount of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) to act as a catalyst. True or False: Catalysts lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, but they do not change the overall energy released or absorbed in the reaction.

Question

A. True
B. False

Answer 1

A. True

Catalysts do lower the activation energy required for a reaction, thereby speeding up the reaction process. However, they do not change the overall energy change (enthalpy change) of the reaction. The amount of energy released or absorbed remains the same regardless of the presence of a catalyst.