A catalyst works to lower the activation energy of a chemical reaction. Write 3-4 sentences to describe at least four ways that a catalyst can accomplish this task.
1. A catalyst can increase the rate of reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
2. A catalyst can increase the concentration of reactants by forming an intermediate complex, which can then react more quickly.
3. A catalyst can increase the rate of reaction by forming a transition state complex, which can then react more quickly.
4. A catalyst can increase the rate of reaction by providing a surface on which the reactants can interact more easily, thus lowering the activation energy.