What effect does a catalyst have on a chemical reaction?

A catalyst plays a crucial role in chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This reduction in activation energy means that more molecules have the required energy to effectively collide and undergo the reaction, ultimately accelerating the rate at which products are formed.

Additionally, a catalyst facilitates the reaction pathway, allowing the reaction to proceed more efficiently. Importantly, while it enhances the formation of products, it is not consumed in the reaction and can be used repeatedly, making it a valuable component in many industrial and laboratory processes.

The alteration of activation energy and the acceleration of product formation without consumption are fundamental characteristics of catalysts that define their role in chemical kinetics.