A catalyst can increase the rate of a reaction ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A catalyst can increase the rate of reaction by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. This alternative pathway allows the reactants to reach the transition state more easily, speeding up the reaction. The frequency factor (A) and the overall activation energy (E_a) of the reaction are intrinsic properties of the reaction, and a catalyst cannot change them. Additionally, lowering the activation energy of the reverse reaction is not necessarily beneficial for increasing the forward reaction rate. Therefore, D is the best choice.

A Catalyst Can Increase the Rate of a Reaction ________