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A-LevelChemistryReaction kineticsOct/Nov 2018Paper 1 Q101 Mark

In a chemical system the particles involved have a range of energies. This can be shown on a graph called the Boltzmann distribution. Which statement correctly explains the effect of a catalyst on the particles in a chemical system?

Acatalyst enables particles with a lower energy to collide successfully.
Bcatalyst increases the number of particles with higher energies.
Ccatalyst increases the number of particles with the most probable energy value.
Dcatalyst increases the value of the most probable particle energy.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: catalyst enables particles with a lower energy to collide successfully.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Chemistry Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Reaction kinetics in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2018 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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