STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 3

Temperature and catalysts

Distinguish extra particle energy from a lower activation energy.

The essentials

  • Particles have greater average kinetic energy and move faster.
  • A catalyst increases rate and is chemically unchanged at the end.
  • Manganese(IV) oxide catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Key vocabulary

EnglishChinese
kinetic energy动能
activation energy活化能
catalyst催化剂
enzyme酶

Quick practice

Try each question before opening its hint or answer. Use paper for calculations and diagrams.

Question 1

Why can an enzyme-catalysed reaction become slower at very high temperature?

Need a hint for Question 1?

Decide whether the change affects particle energy or the activation barrier.

Check Question 1

The enzyme can denature, changing its shape and reducing its catalytic activity.

Question 2

Explain why a higher temperature increases reaction rate using energy and collisions.

Need a hint for Question 2?

Explain both collision frequency and the fraction with enough energy.

Check Question 2

Particles have higher average kinetic energy. Collisions are more frequent and a greater fraction meet Eₐ.

Question 3

A student says a catalyst makes particles move faster. Correct the explanation.

Need a hint for Question 3?

A catalyst changes the pathway, not the temperature.

Check Question 3

At constant temperature, the catalyst lowers Eₐ; it does not increase average particle kinetic energy.

Use Lesson 3 in your worksheet for written practice. Your teacher will discuss those answers in class.

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