Catalysts increase reaction rates by _____

• A. increasing the equilibrium constant
• B. raising the temperature of the system
• C. lowering the activation energy of the reaction
• D. providing additional reactants

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that catalysts affect the speed of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
2. Recall that the equilibrium constant (\(K\)) depends only on the free energy change of the reaction and temperature, so catalysts do not change \(K\).
3. Recognize that catalysts do not change the temperature of the system; temperature is an external condition.
4. Know that catalysts provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy (\(E_a\)), which increases the reaction rate.
5. Conclude that the correct effect of a catalyst is lowering the activation energy of the reaction, thereby increasing the reaction rate.