How does a chemical catalyst increase the rate of a reaction?
A) by acting as one of the reactant molecules
B) by decreasing the energy of activation
C) by increasing the energy content of the product molecules
D) by increasing the temperature of a solution
E) by phosphorylating a reactant

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A chemical catalyst works by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, making it easier for the reactant molecules to collide and react. This alternative pathway is a lower-energy route to the formation of the products, which results in an increased reaction rate.

How Does a Chemical Catalyst Increase the Rate of a Reaction