[tensirk]

The problem statement, all variables and given/known data:

Which of the following are ways that catalysts can speed up reactions rates? You must check all answers that apply.
A.) Increase the activation energy.
B.) Decrease the energy of activation.
C.) Change the path of the reaction.
D.) Speedup the reaction without changing k.
E.) Increase the collision frequency.


The attempt at a solution:

I believe B and E are definitely correct, but I am unsure of all of the other answers. Any guidance would be wonderful!

[Schrödinger]

Take a closer look at option C : If the activation energy is lowered, this means that the reaction is now following a different route to reach the products.

And option D : I assume here, that k refers to the equilibrium constant. Any catalyst tends to speed up both the forward and backward reactions to the same extent. Hence, the equilibrium constant remains unchanged.

[rabolisk]

On the other hand, if k means the rate constant, then certainly D is wrong.

[Schrödinger]

Yes, indeed Forgot to add that

[tensirk]

Ahh, thank you both very much. After I considered it more, C was obviously one of the answers. I chose B, C, and E as my final answers and those were correct, so I believe that k was referring to the rate constant in this case. Thanks!