What is the Difference Between Positive and Negative Catalyst?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between positive and negative catalysts lies in their effect on the reaction rate of a chemical reaction. Here are the key differences:
- Positive Catalysts:
- Increase the rate of the reaction.
- Lower the activation energy required for the reaction.
- Also called promoters.
- An example is the decomposition of potassium chlorate, which occurs at a lower temperature (${{300}^{0}}C$) with an MnO catalyst.
- Negative Catalysts:
- Decrease the rate of the reaction.
- Increase the activation energy required for the reaction.
- Also called inhibitors.
- An example is phosphoric acid, which reduces the rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition.
In summary, positive catalysts speed up the reaction by providing a shorter path for the reaction to take place, while negative catalysts slow down the reaction by providing a longer path for the reaction to occur. Both types of catalysts affect the activation energy of the reactant molecules, but they have opposite effects on the overall rate of the reaction.
Comparative Table: Positive vs Negative Catalyst
The main difference between positive and negative catalysts lies in their effect on the rate of chemical reactions. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:
| Feature | Positive Catalyst | Negative Catalyst |
|---|---|---|
| Effect on Reaction Rate | Increases the rate of the reaction | Decreases the rate of the reaction |
| Activation Energy | Decreases the activation energy of reactant molecules | Increases the activation energy of reactant molecules |
| Also Known As | Promoter | Inhibitor |
A positive catalyst is a substance that can increase the rate of a reaction without getting involved or consumed during the reaction. On the other hand, a negative catalyst is a substance that can decrease the rate of a reaction without getting consumed during the reaction.
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- Catalyst vs Enzyme
- Organic vs Inorganic Catalysts
- Homogeneous vs Heterogeneous Catalyst
- Positive vs Negative Control
- Catalyst Promoter vs Catalyst Poison
- Positive Feedback vs Negative Feedback
- Catalyst vs Intermediate
- Positive vs Negative Ion
- Photocatalysis vs Electrocatalysis
- Catalytic vs Stoichiometric Reagents
- Positive vs Negative Tropism
- Positive vs Negative Oxidase Test
- Positive vs Negative Externalities
- Positive vs Negative Feedback Loops
- Positive vs Negative Reinforcement
- Negative vs Positive Gearing