What is the main function of a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

The main function of a catalyst in a chemical reaction is to lower the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. Activation energy is the minimum energy needed for reactants to transform into products. By providing an alternative pathway for the reaction, a catalyst makes it easier for the reactants to collide and react, which can significantly increase the reaction rate without undergoing any permanent chemical change itself.

This reduced activation energy means that more reactant molecules have enough energy to overcome the energy barrier for the reaction at a given temperature, leading to a higher rate of reaction. Importantly, the catalyst is not consumed in the reaction and remains unchanged at the end, allowing it to be used repeatedly in subsequent reactions.