Which term describes a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of each term in a chemical reaction: a 'Reactant' is a substance that participates and is consumed during the reaction, while a 'Product' is formed as a result of the reaction.
2. An 'Inhibitor' is a substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction by interfering with the reaction mechanism.
3. A 'Catalyst' is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or permanently changed in the process.
4. Recognize that catalysts work by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction, thus speeding up the reaction without being used up.
5. Therefore, the term that best fits the description of increasing reaction rate without consumption is 'Catalyst'.