Which of the following statements about a catalyst is true?

• A. A catalyst is permanently altered during the reaction.
• B. A catalyst changes the equilibrium position of a reaction.
• C. A catalyst increases the activation energy required for the reaction.
• D. A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a catalyst: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or permanently altered in the process.
2. Analyze the first statement: 'A catalyst is permanently altered during the reaction.' Since catalysts are not consumed or changed permanently, this statement is false.
3. Analyze the second statement: 'A catalyst changes the equilibrium position of a reaction.' Catalysts speed up both the forward and reverse reactions equally, so they do not change the equilibrium position; they only help the system reach equilibrium faster.
4. Analyze the third statement: 'A catalyst increases the activation energy required for the reaction.' Catalysts actually lower the activation energy, making it easier for the reaction to proceed, so this statement is false.
5. Confirm the correct statement: 'A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.' This aligns with the definition and properties of catalysts, making it the true statement.