When compared with the normal reaction pathway, a catalyzed reaction pathway will always have:

• A. a different overall reaction mechanism
• B. a greater enthalpy change
• C. a lower activation energy
• D. a higher activation energy

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy compared to the uncatalyzed reaction.
2. Recall that the activation energy (\[E_a\]) is the minimum energy required for reactants to transform into products.
3. Note that the overall enthalpy change (\[\Delta H\]) of the reaction remains the same because a catalyst does not alter the thermodynamics of the reaction, only the kinetics.
4. Recognize that a catalyst changes the reaction mechanism by providing a different pathway, but this does not necessarily mean the overall mechanism is completely different, just that the steps and energy barriers are altered.
5. Conclude that the key effect of a catalyst is to lower the activation energy, making the reaction proceed faster without changing the enthalpy change or the overall reaction.