Which statement best describes an effect of using a catalyst in an industrial process?

• A. A catalyst increases the equilibrium constant of the reaction.
• B. A catalyst is permanently altered and cannot be reused after the reaction.
• C. A catalyst increases the rate of reaction without being consumed in the process.
• D. A catalyst changes the products formed in the reaction.

Answer: (C)

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 rate at which equilibrium is reached.
2. Recall that a catalyst does not affect the position of equilibrium, meaning it does not change the equilibrium constant (\(K\)) of the reaction.
3. Recognize that a catalyst is not consumed or permanently altered during the reaction; it can be reused multiple times.
4. Note that a catalyst does not change the products formed; it only affects how quickly the reaction reaches equilibrium.
5. Conclude that the best description of a catalyst's effect is that it increases the rate of reaction without being consumed in the process.