How do catalysts affect energy of reactions

Explanation:

A catalyst lowers the activation energy of a reaction allowing them to proceed faster than they would naturally. Activation energy is the free energy that is required to be input in the reactant side to activate them to the transition state after which the reaction proceeds spontaneously to products.

An example of a catalyst is platinum, that is put in the exhaust of cars, to help convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide before it is emitted into the air.

c. heat could easily travel through the molecules in the air and escape/enter the flask. removing the air slows down the heat transfer.