Which of the following is true about catalysts?

• A. Catalysts change the equilibrium position of a reaction.
• B. Catalysts increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
• C. Catalysts increase the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.
• D. Catalysts are permanently altered during the reaction.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction: A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, which increases the reaction rate.
2. Recall that catalysts do not change the equilibrium position of a reaction; they only help the system reach equilibrium faster by speeding up both the forward and reverse reactions equally.
3. Recognize that catalysts are not consumed or permanently altered during the reaction; they remain unchanged and can be used repeatedly.
4. Note that catalysts decrease, rather than increase, the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed.
5. Based on these points, identify the correct statement: Catalysts increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.