Which of the following best describes the result of using a catalyst in a chemical reaction?
A. A more desirable product is often formed.
B. The reaction is completed in a shorter amount of time.
C. A greater amount of heat energy is released by the reaction.
D. The yield of product is increased.
The result of using a catalyst in a chemical reaction is that the reaction is completed in a shorter amount of time ¹. A catalyst is a chemical substance that affects the rate of a chemical reaction by altering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed ¹. This process is called catalysis ¹. A catalyst provides an alternative pathway for the reaction, one that has a lower activation energy than the uncatalyzed pathway .
The other options are not correct because they do not accurately describe the result of using a catalyst in a chemical reaction. A more desirable product is not necessarily formed, a greater amount of heat energy is not necessarily released by the reaction, and the yield of product is not necessarily increased as a result of using a catalyst.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is B.