Question

About positive and negative catalyst, which of the following statements is incorrect?

• A. Positive catalyst lowers the energy of activation
• B. Negative catalyst decreases the energy of activation
• C. Positive catalyst increases the rate of reaction
• D. Negative catalyst functions to remove active intermediates

Answer 1

The correct option is B Negative catalyst decreases the energy of activation

Positive catalyst: A catalyst which increases the rate of reaction is called positive catalyst. Such catalyst decreases activation energy by accepting a smaller path, so rate of reaction is increased.

Negative catalyst (Inhibitor): A catalyst which decreases or retards the rate of reaction is called negative catalyst. It is because a negative catalyst increases activation energy by taking a longer alternative path. Also, it combines with reactant molecules and decreases the number of colliding reactant molecules.

Hence, option (B) is the incorrect statement.