Question

According to adsorption theory of catalysis, the reaction rate increases, because:

• A. Adsorption produces heat which increases the rate of reaction
• B. In the process of adsorption, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases
• C. The concentration of reactants at the active centres becomes high due to adsorption
• D. The activation energy of the reaction becomes high due to adsorption

Answer 1

The correct option is C The concentration of reactants at the active centres becomes high due to adsorption

Adsorption theory explains the mechanism of heterogenous catalysis.

According to this theory, there are number of active spots on catalytic surface. This surface is used again and again due to alternate adsorption and desorption. This gives rise to an increase in number of free valencies. These active spots enhance the adsorption, thereby increase the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst, which in turn increases the rate of the reaction.

Hence the correct option is (C).