A catalyst accelerates a reaction primarily by stablizing the

Options

A. substrate
B. product
C. intermediate
D. transition state

Answer

To solve the question regarding how a catalyst accelerates a reaction, let's break it down step by step:

### Step 1: Understanding the Role of a Catalyst
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It achieves this by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy.

**Hint:** Remember that catalysts do not change the overall energy of the reaction; they only affect the rate.

### Step 2: Activation Energy Concept
Activation energy (Ea) is the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur. In the absence of a catalyst, the activation energy is typically higher, meaning that more energy is needed to reach the transition state.

**Hint:** Think of activation energy as a barrier that reactants must overcome to form products.

### Step 3: Effect of Catalyst on Activation Energy
When a catalyst is added to a reaction, it lowers the activation energy required to reach the transition state. This means that the reactants can convert to products more easily and quickly.

**Hint:** Visualize the energy profile of the reaction; the presence of a catalyst lowers the peak of the energy barrier.

### Step 4: Transition State Stabilization
The catalyst stabilizes the transition state, which is a high-energy state that occurs during the conversion of reactants to products. By stabilizing this state, the catalyst allows the reaction to proceed with less energy input.

**Hint:** The transition state can be thought of as a "hill" that reactants must climb over to become products.

### Step 5: Conclusion
From the above points, we conclude that a catalyst accelerates a reaction primarily by stabilizing the transition state, which reduces the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.

**Final Answer:** A catalyst accelerates a reaction primarily by stabilizing the transition state.