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 option given below :
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 option given below :
- (A)Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
- (B)Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect✓ Correct
- (C)Statement I is correct but Statement II are incorrect
- (D)Statement I is incorrect but Statement II are correct
Answer: (B)
Solution
First-row transition metals owe their catalytic activity to the use of both their and electrons in forming bonds with reactant molecules at the surface, not the electrons alone, so the first statement is wrong. When reactant molecules are adsorbed their concentration at the surface does rise, but the new surface bonds weaken the bonds within the reacting molecules rather than strengthening them; this weakening lowers the activation energy and is what accelerates the reaction, so the second statement is also wrong. Both statements are incorrect.
JEE Main · 2026 · 08 Apr 2026 · Shift 2 · Single correct option