In the preparation of oxygen by heating KCIO, in the presence of MnO2 2 only moderate heat is needed because the catalyst acts by 2

In the preparation of oxygen by heating KCIO, in the presence of MnO${}_2$ only moderate heat is needed because the catalyst acts by ${}_2$

Answer Details

The presence of MnO2 acts as a catalyst in the reaction of KCIO2 to produce oxygen. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the reaction itself. MnO2 acts by lowering the energy barrier of the reaction, which means it reduces the amount of energy required for the reaction to take place. This makes it easier for the reaction to occur, and thus the reaction proceeds at a faster rate. As a result, only moderate heat is needed to provide the initial energy required for the reaction to start. Therefore, the correct answer is: lowering the energy barrier of the reaction.