Why is the shape of a catalyst important in chemical reactions?

• A. It changes the chemical identity of the catalyst during the reaction.
• B. It ensures the catalyst is consumed completely in the reaction.
• C. It prevents the formation of any products in the reaction.
• D. It determines the surface area available for reactants to interact, affecting the rate of reaction.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
2. Recognize that the shape of a catalyst affects how much surface area is exposed to the reactants.
3. Recall that a larger surface area allows more reactant molecules to interact with the catalyst at the same time.
4. Know that this increased interaction enhances the rate at which the reaction occurs.
5. Therefore, the shape of the catalyst is important because it determines the available surface area for reactants, directly influencing the reaction rate.