A catalyst speeds up a reaction by:
AIncreasing the concentration of reactants
BIncreasing the temperature of the system
CShifting the equilibrium toward products
DLowering the activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Lowering the activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway
**Catalyst lowers the activation energy** by providing an alternative pathway (forms a transient complex with reactants). It does **NOT** alter ΔG or the equilibrium position — only how *fast* equilibrium is reached. Same catalyst speeds up forward and backward reaction equally.
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