Catalysts and enthalpy

[Gabriella Bates 2L]

Does the presence of a catalyst affect the enthalpy of a reaction? Why or why not?

[Amanda Mei 1B]

No, a catalyst doesn't affect the enthalpy of a reaction because enthalpy is a state function - it does not depend on the path taken from reactants to products. It just depends on the compositions of reactants and products. A catalyst provides a new pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy, but doesn't change the reactants or products.

[KDang_1D]

If you consider the graphs we often use to represent these processes, a catalyst lowers the peak of the activation energy (Ea). However, the initial and final energy values of the curve remain unchanged.

[Daniel Chen 2L]

One of the main things that a catalyst does is change the amount of work that a system does.

[Nick Lewis 4F]

One of the main things that a catalyst does is change the amount of work that a system does.

Does this have an impact on any of the properties of the other elements involved in the reaction?

[Anthony_Sandoval_1D]

As a previous person said, a catalyst does not affect enthalpy. This is because enthalpy is a state function and is not dependent on the path taken. A catalyst only changes the amount of energy needed to reach the location and but does not affect the final or initial value.

[WS405590915]

If you consider the graphs we often use to represent these processes, a catalyst lowers the peak of the activation energy (Ea). However, the initial and final energy values of the curve remain unchanged.

This was really helpful, and really clarified things for me.

Thank you