In the diagram above, curve X represents the energy profile for a homogeneous gaseous reaction. Which of the following conditions would produce curve Y for ...

In the diagram above, curve X represents the energy profile for a homogeneous gaseous reaction. Which of the following conditions would produce curve Y for the same reaction?

Answer Details

The energy profile curve X represents a reaction with a high activation energy, meaning that the reaction rate is slow at room temperature. To produce curve Y, which represents a faster reaction rate, we need to lower the activation energy of the reaction. This can be achieved by adding a catalyst, which lowers the activation energy without changing the energy difference between reactants and products. Therefore, the correct answer is "Addition of a catalyst". Increasing temperature or pressure or increasing the concentration of a reactant can also increase the reaction rate, but they do not change the activation energy or the energy profile of the reaction.