A catalyst increases the rate of chemical reaction by
Answer Details
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy. Activation energy is the energy required to start a chemical reaction. By lowering the activation energy, a catalyst makes it easier for reactant molecules to react and form products. As a result, the reaction can occur more quickly, which increases the rate of the chemical reaction. Therefore, the correct option is "decreasing the activation energy of the reaction".