How do catalysts affect a chemical reaction?
lose activation
lower activation
provide activation energy
increase activation energy
1 answer
Catalysts lower activation energy in a chemical reaction. Activation energy refers to the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. By lowering the activation energy, catalysts enable the reaction to proceed at a faster rate or under milder conditions than it would without a catalyst. This is accomplished by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower energy barrier, allowing more reactant molecules to overcome the activation energy and form the desired products. As a result, catalysts effectively increase the reaction rate without being consumed or permanently altered in the process.