Which of the following is a substance that lowers the activation energy of a chemical reaction?

• A. Reactant
• B. Product
• C. Catalyst
• D. Inhibitor

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.
2. Identify the role of each option: Reactants are the starting substances, products are the substances formed, inhibitors slow down reactions, and catalysts speed up reactions.
3. Recall that a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy without being consumed in the process.
4. Recognize that lowering activation energy means the reaction can proceed faster or at a lower temperature.
5. Conclude that among the given options, the catalyst is the substance that lowers the activation energy of a chemical reaction.