Which phrase describes the effect of adding a catalyst to a chemical reaction, causing the reaction rate to increase?

Regents Chemistry June 2026

20 Which phrase describes the effect of adding a catalyst to a chemical reaction, causing the reaction rate to increase?

(1) same reaction pathway, lower activation energy

(2) same reaction pathway, higher activation energy

(3) different reaction pathway, lower activation energy

(4) different reaction pathway, higher activation energy

Solution:

A catalyst speeds up the rate of reaction by lowering its activation energy thanks to a different reaction pathway. Choice 3 is the correct answer.

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