How does a catalyst work?
2 marks · EasyExplain why not all particles react, even with a catalyst, and how this is shown in a reaction profile diagram.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States not all particles have enough energy to overcome even the lowered activation energy.
B1 · 1 mark · Relates to the activation energy barrier shown on the diagram (only particles with enough energy pass the 'hill').
Worked solution
Not all particles have energy equal to or above the activation energy, even after adding a catalyst. On a reaction profile diagram, this is shown by the presence of a barrier that only particles with enough energy can cross.