Question

According to the adsorption theory of catalysis, the rate of reaction increases with the use of a catalyst because:

• A. the heat liberated during adsorption increases the rate of reaction
• B. the kinetic energy of reactants increases which increases the rate of reaction
• C. the activation energy of reaction increases which increases the rate of reaction
• D. the concentration of reactants at the active centers becomes high due to adsorption the rate of reaction

Answer 1

The correct option is D the concentration of reactants at the active centers becomes high due to adsorption the rate of reaction

Adsorption theory of Heterogeneous catalysis involves five steps-

• Diffusion of reactants to the surface of the catalyst.
  
• Adsorption of reactant molecules on the surface of the catalyst. (Occurrence of chemical reaction on the catalyst’s surface through formation of an intermediate.
  
• Desorption of reaction products from the catalyst surface, and thereby, making the surface available again for more reaction to occur.
  
• Diffusion of reaction products away from the catalyst’s surface.
• So, we can deduce from Adsorption theory of catalysis that as the concentration of reactants at active centers increases due to adsorption and thus the rate of the reaction is also increased.