Given below are two statements for catalytic properties of transition metals.
Statement I: First row transition metals which act as catalyst utilise their 3d electrons only for formation of bonds between reactant molecules and atoms on the surface of catalyst.
Statement II: There is increase in the concentration of reactants on the surface of catalyst which strengthens the bonds in reacting molecules.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Solution
Solution
- Statement I is incorrect because of the word "only". Surface bonding uses both the 3d and the 4s electrons of first-row metals.
- Statement II is incorrect in its second half. Adsorption does raise the reactants' concentration on the surface, but bonding to the surface weakens the bonds in the reacting molecules, which is what lowers the activation energy.
Answer: both statements are incorrect.
Answer checked against the official answer key. The solution is our own working.