Q56 / 180 · COMEDK 2026 (9 May Shift 2) · Chemistry
Which of the following factors is altered by the addition of a catalyst during a chemical reaction?
- AEntropy
- Correct answerBActivation energy
- CEnthalpy
- DInternal energy
Solution
A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
Thermodynamic state functions such as entropy, enthalpy, and internal energy depend only on the initial and final states of the system (reactants and products) and are independent of the path taken. Therefore, they remain unaffected by the addition of a catalyst.
Answer: Activation energy
Thermodynamic state functions such as entropy, enthalpy, and internal energy depend only on the initial and final states of the system (reactants and products) and are independent of the path taken. Therefore, they remain unaffected by the addition of a catalyst.
Answer: Activation energy
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.