What is the impact of a catalyst on a chemical reaction?

A catalyst plays a crucial role in chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. Activation energy is the minimum energy needed for reactants to undergo the transformation into products. By providing an alternative pathway with a lower energy barrier, a catalyst enables the reaction to occur more readily and at a faster rate, without changing the overall energy content of the reactants and products.

Moreover, a catalyst remains unchanged at the end of the reaction and can participate in multiple reaction cycles, enhancing the reaction without being consumed. It does not alter the concentrations of the reactants or products at equilibrium, as it accelerates both the forward and reverse reactions equally. Thus, the correct understanding of a catalyst's function emphasizes its ability to facilitate reactions by reducing the necessary energy input rather than changing the fundamental properties of the reaction itself.