Which statement correctly describes catalysts?

• A. They are consumed in the reaction
• B. They speed up reactions without being consumed
• C. They are always inorganic
• D. They raise activation energy

Answer: (B)

A catalyst provides an alternate pathway for a reaction that requires less energy to reach the transition state, so the reaction proceeds faster at the same temperature. Crucially, it is not consumed in the reaction; it appears unchanged after the process and can catalyze additional reactions. That combination—speeding up the reaction without being used up—is why this description is the best.

In contrast, catalysts being consumed would mean they disappear as the reaction proceeds, which isn’t how catalysts behave. Saying they’re always inorganic is inaccurate since many catalysts are organic, such as enzymes. And they don’t raise the activation energy; they lower it, making it easier for reactants to transform.