Catalysts lower the activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway that requires less energy. This is achieved by forming temporary, intermediate compounds with the reactants. The nature of these intermediates and the pathway depends on the type of catalyst used. For example, enzymes, which are biological catalysts, have specific active sites that bind to substrates, facilitating the breaking and forming of bonds. Similarly, metal catalysts often work by adsorbing reactants onto their surface, thereby weakening the bonds in the reactants and making it easier for the reaction to proceed.
