The following item consists of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below: Statement I : Catalytic hydrogenation is highest when the catalyst remains in the powdered form Statement I : When a catalyst is in the powdered form, its surface area becomes highest

Catalytic hydrogenation is a heterogeneous process where the reaction rate is significantly influenced by the available surface area of the catalyst [1]. Statement I is true because catalytic activity is highest when the catalyst is in a powdered form, as this maximizes the number of active sites available for the reactants to adsorb and react [4]. Statement II is also true and provides the correct explanation for Statement I: reducing a solid catalyst to a fine powder increases its specific surface area-to-volume ratio [4]. In heterogeneous catalysis, the reaction occurs on the surface; therefore, a higher surface area directly correlates with increased catalytic activity and reaction rates. This principle is widely applied in industrial processes, such as the hydrogenation of vegetable oils using nickel catalysts, where maximizing surface contact is essential for efficiency [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.3.3 Addition Reaction > p. 71
2. [4] https://www.unido.org/publications/ot/9647055/pdf