Catalyst Effect

Question

A catalyst increases rate by:

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1. **Function of Catalyst**: A substance that increases the rate of reaction by providing an **alternative mechanism** with a significantly **lower activation energy ($E_a$)**.
2. **Energy Profile**: The catalyst reduces the height of the energy hill between reactants and products.
3. **Equilibrium**: It increases the rate of both forward and backward reactions equally. Thus, it does not change the equilibrium constant ($K$) or the state of equilibrium.
4. **Thermodynamics**: It does not alter $\Delta G^\circ$, $\Delta H^\circ$, or the final concentrations (yield).

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Catalyst Effect

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