Catalyst lowers activation energy without altering energy distribution

Steps:

• Boltzmann distribution plots molecular energies at fixed temperature; peak P is at most probable energy.
• Constant temperature means distribution shape and peak height remain unchanged by catalyst.
• Activation energy E is marked as a vertical line on the energy axis to the right of peak P.
• Catalyst reduces E, shifting the line leftward to lower energy, increasing reacting molecules.

Why B is correct:

• Catalysts lower activation energy via alternative pathway (Arrhenius equation: rate ∝ e^{-Ea/RT}), moving E left while constant T keeps peak P identical.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Catalyst does not lower peak P or increase E.
• C: E moves left, not right.
• D: Peak P unchanged, not lower.

Final answer: B