NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3ck185
A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction because it
Achanges the enthalpy change ΔH of the reaction
Bshifts the equilibrium towards the products
Cprovides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy
Dincreases the average kinetic energy of the reacting molecules
Answer: C
A catalyst offers a different mechanism with a lower activation energy, so a larger fraction of collisions is effective. It does not change ΔH, the equilibrium position, or the temperature-determined average kinetic energy.