Question

What is the effect of catalyst on (i) Gibbs energy and (ii) activation energy of reaction?

Answer 1

1. Gibbs free energy is only determined by the enthalpy and entropy of reactants and products. Catalyst is used to change the reaction rates (kinetics) without changing the reaction products. Therefore, a catalyst does not alter Gibbs free energy.
   
2. Effect of Catalysts on the Activation Energy. Catalysts provide a new reaction pathway in which a lower Activation energy is offered. A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy so that more reactant molecules collide with enough energy to surmount the smaller energy barrier.