Which statement best describes how a catalyst affects the reaction rate of a chemical reaction?

Which statement best describes how a catalyst affects the reaction rate of a chemical reaction?

A. The addition of a catalyst decreases equilibrium and slows down the reaction.

B. The addition of a catalyst increases the temperature of the reactants and speeds up the reaction.

C. The addition of a catalyst decreases the required activation energy and speeds up the reaction.

D. The addition of a catalyst increases the potential energy of the reactants and slows the reaction.

Answer: C. The addition of a catalyst decreases the required activation energy and speeds up the reaction.

A catalyst is a substance that was found to affect the rate of a chemical reaction that took place in the same chemical composition as the reagents although not changing its chemical composition. It operates by presenting another route to the reaction that requires less energy than what is needed to stimulate the reaction. In that way, the catalyst reduces the energy of activation and thus aids in the process of the reaction to occur more freely and at a faster pace. But, as with all other cases of catalysis, the catalyst does not influence the heat change and the position of the equilibrium of the reaction. It only serves to enhance the rate of the reaction by increasing the degree of accessibility, the energy level of which is more favourable to the reactants to cross the activation energy threshold. It exclusively helps to increase the rate of the reaction while not affecting on the driving force or final product formed.