CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Reaction kinetics
A student adds a small amount of a soluble transition-metal salt to an aqueous reaction mixture. The rate of reaction increases, but the temperature of the mixture does not change.
Explain, in terms of the Boltzmann distribution and activation energy, how the catalyst increases the rate of this reaction.
Include in your answer a description of the Boltzmann distribution and how the catalyst changes it.
6 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 6 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.