The activation energy of a reaction can be altered by
Answer Details
The activation energy of a chemical reaction is the amount of energy that needs to be supplied to start the reaction. It is an energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to occur.
There are different ways to alter the activation energy of a reaction, and one of them is by using a catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that lowers the activation energy of a reaction, making it easier for the reaction to occur. Catalysts do not change the overall energy change of the reaction, but they make it happen faster and with less energy input.
Another way to alter the activation energy is by changing the temperature. When the temperature is increased, the particles of the reactants move faster, and they collide with more energy, which makes it more likely for the reaction to occur. This increase in kinetic energy of the particles can overcome the activation energy barrier, and the reaction can proceed.
On the other hand, adding a reducing agent or applying high pressure does not directly alter the activation energy of a reaction. A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another chemical species, while high pressure can affect the equilibrium of a reaction. However, neither of these methods directly changes the energy barrier required to start the reaction.
In summary, the activation energy of a reaction can be altered by using a catalyst or changing the temperature, but not by adding a reducing agent or applying high pressure.