Question

Which of the following statement is incorrect about positive and negative catalysts?

• A. Positive catalyst lowers the energy of activation.
• B. Negative catalyst lowers the energy of activation.
• C. Positive catalyst increases the rate of reaction.
• D. Negative catalyst removes active intermediates.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Negative catalyst lowers 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. Negative catalyst functions to remove active intermediates.



Hence, option (B) is the incorrect statement.