Question

A catalyst

• A. Increases the free energy change in the reaction
• B. Decreases the free energy change in the reaction
• C. Does not increase or decrease the free energy change in the reaction
• D. Can either increase or decrease the free energy change depending on what catalyst we use

Answer 1

The correct option is C Does not increase or decrease the free energy change in the reaction

This is the same question like the last one but a bit straight one.

Try to remember the characteristics of a catalyst.

Characteristics of a Catalyst:

(i) It only catalyses the spontaneous reaction but not the non-spontaneous reaction.

(ii) It doesn’t change the equilibrium constant, but only helps in attaining equilibrium faster.

(iii) It catalyses both forward and backward reactions to the same extent to maintain the equilibrium state in case of reversible reaction.

(iv) It doesn’t alter the ΔG (Gibbs energy) of a reaction.

(v) A small amount of the catalyst can catalyze a large amount of reactants.

Therefore, It doesn’t alter the ΔG (Gibbs energy) of a reaction.
Gibbs energy tells us about the spontaneity of the reaction.

A catalyst only catalyses the reaction if it is spontaneous.