How can a catalyst lower the activation energy of a reaction? - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question g - 2020

A catalyst lowers the activation energy by providing an alternative pathway or mechanism for the reaction. This alternative pathway allows the reactants to convert into products through a different route that requires less energy than the original pathway.

When a catalyst is present, it interacts with the reactants to form an intermediate complex, which has a lower energy requirement to reach the transition state compared to the uncatalyzed reaction. As a result, the overall energy barrier for the reaction is reduced, making it easier for the reaction to occur at lower temperatures or with lower energy input.