In this equation, $H _2 SO _4$ (sulfuric acid) is speeding up the reaction. Based on the chemical notation, sulfuric acid is
A. an ion
B. a product
C. a reactant
D. a catalyst
Answer (2)
Sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) speeds up the reaction.
A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed.
Reactants are consumed, products are produced, and ions are charged particles.
Therefore, sulfuric acid is a catalyst .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given that sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) is speeding up a reaction, and we need to determine its role in the reaction from the given options: an ion, a product, a reactant, or a catalyst. Let's analyze each option.
Analyzing the Options
Reactant: A reactant is a substance that is consumed during a chemical reaction. If sulfuric acid were a reactant, it would be used up in the reaction, which isn't necessarily implied by it speeding up the reaction.
Product: A product is a substance that is produced during a chemical reaction. Sulfuric acid speeding up the reaction doesn't mean it's being produced.
Ion: An ion is a charged atom or molecule. While sulfuric acid can dissociate into ions in solution, the question specifies its role in speeding up the reaction, not just its chemical nature.
Catalyst: A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. This aligns with the given information that sulfuric acid is speeding up the reaction.
Identifying the Role of Sulfuric Acid Since sulfuric acid is speeding up the reaction without being consumed, it acts as a catalyst.
Conclusion Therefore, based on the chemical notation and the information provided, sulfuric acid is a catalyst.
Examples
In the production of many plastics, sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst to speed up the polymerization process. Without the sulfuric acid, the reaction would proceed too slowly to be economically viable. Catalysts like sulfuric acid are essential in many industrial processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) is acting as a catalyst because it speeds up the chemical reaction without being consumed. This role distinguishes it from reactants, products, and ions. Therefore, the correct answer is D. a catalyst.
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