Which of the following is true of a catalyst?

• A. A catalyst decreases the activation energy and the equilibrium constant of a reaction.
• B. A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
• C. A catalyst changes the products formed in a chemical reaction.
• D. A catalyst is permanently altered and used up 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 a catalyst does not affect the equilibrium constant of a reaction because it speeds up both the forward and reverse reactions equally, so the position of equilibrium remains unchanged.
3. Recognize that a catalyst is not consumed or permanently altered during the reaction; it can be recovered unchanged at the end of the process.
4. Note that a catalyst does not change the products formed in a chemical reaction; it only affects how quickly equilibrium is reached.
5. Summarize that the correct statement about a catalyst is that it increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.