Note: In the following questions a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason is given. Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
Assertion : The enthalpy of reaction remains constant in the presence of a catalyst.
Reason : A catalyst participating in the reaction, forms different activated complex and lowers down the activation energy but the difference in energy of reactant and product remains the same.
A catalyst alters the path of a reaction by providing an alternative path with lower activation energy but there is no change in the enthalpy of reactants and products.
Catalyst forms an intermediate with lower activation energy thus lowers down the potential barrier of the reaction as shown in the diagram below.
Thus, both the assertion and the reason are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of assertion.