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

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

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A chemical catalyst works by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower energy of activation, making it easier for the reaction to occur. By lowering the energy barrier, the catalyst speeds up the reaction without being consumed in the process.

How Does a Chemical Catalyst Increase the Rate of a Reaction