What causes an increase in effective collisions without increasing average energy?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option 3 : Catalysis
A catalyst increases the number of effective collisions by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy. It does this without increasing the average kinetic energy of the reactant molecules.
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Option 1 : An increase in the reactant concentration → Increases collision frequency, but not specifically effective collisions through lowering activation energy.
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Option 2 : A decrease in pressure → Usually decreases collisions.
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Option 3 : Catalysis → Correct.
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Option 4 : An increase in temperature → Increases average kinetic energy of molecules.