Jesse M. answered • 04/29/23
AP Chemistry Tutor at a Learning Center
The answer is D.
Answer choices A, B, C, all effect the rate of a reaction (how fast a reaction proceeds) but thats because those changes allow the reactants to better overcome the activation energy (the activation energy itself remains constant). For example, increasing the temperature provides the molecules with more energy so they can collide faster and more frequently to make product.
Catalysts, however do not effect the rate, rather they kind of create a stable environment for the molecules to interact so they don't need to be arranged in a really "uncomfortable" position. The molecules can sort of just slide into place. We say catalysts alter the reaction mechanism and decrease the activation energy.
If you would like me to explain why answer choices A and B effect the rate but not the activation energy, feel free to reach out. Hope this was helpful :)
