Question

Which statement best describes how a catalyst can speed up a chemical reaction?
The catalyst decreases the activation energy needed.
The catalyst increases the concentration of products.
The catalyst binds to enzymes to release substrates.
The catalyst increases the concentration of reactants.

Answer 1

The catalyst decreases the activation energy needed.

Explanation: catalysts provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, speeding the rate without changing the equilibrium concentrations of reactants or products (they are not consumed).