Question

A negative catalyst _________ the rate of a reaction.

• A. neither increases nor decreases
• B. increases
• C. decreases
• D. none of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C decreases

$\bullet$ A catalyst is a substance that alter the rate of a reaction without undergoing any chemical change itself.

$\bullet$ Catalysts alter the reaction rates by providing an alternate pathway for the reactants to form products.

$\bullet$ A negative catalyst decreases the rate of reaction by increasing the activation energy of the reaction.

$\bullet$ However, a positive catalyst decreases the activation energy of the reaction and thus, increases the rate of reaction.