How does a catalyst increase the rate of a chemical reaction?

• A. It increases the temperature of the reactants.
• B. It changes the equilibrium position of the reaction.
• C. It lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.
• D. It increases the concentration of the products.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the rate of a chemical reaction depends on the activation energy, which is the minimum energy required for reactants to transform into products.
2. Recognize that a catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, making it easier for reactants to convert into products.
3. Note that by lowering the activation energy, a catalyst increases the number of effective collisions per unit time, thus increasing the reaction rate.
4. Remember that a catalyst does not change the temperature of the reactants; temperature is an external condition that can affect reaction rate but is not altered by the catalyst itself.
5. Also, a catalyst does not change the equilibrium position or the concentrations of reactants or products; it only helps the system reach equilibrium faster.