Question

How does the addition of a catalyst affect reaction rate?

Answer 1

Provides an alternate route of reaction with a lower activation energy.

A catalyst Provides an alternate route of reaction with a lower activation energy, this means a reaction at the same temperature will occur at a greater rate as a larger proportion of particles have enough energy to react (Energy greater than or equal to the activation energy) as the activation energy has been decreased. Hence more successful collisions that lead to a reaction per unit time, therefore a greater rate of reaction

Answer 2

A catalyst can speed up or slow down a reaction by its mere presence