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The kinetic energy of the particles can be shown on the graph below.
For a given reaction a line can be added showing the activation energy (EA on the graph above). Those particles with kinetic energy greater than the activation energy have the potential to react if a collision occurs. (Not all collisions result in a reaction as the colliding particles must also collide with favourable collision geometry). A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction because it reduces the activation energy (EA) required. |
