How does a catalyst influence a chemical reaction? It speeds up or slows down a chemical reaction by direct participation. It reacts with products to increase the concentration of reactants. It provides an alternative energy pathway for the reaction to proceed. It increases the total amount of products formed.

It provides an alternative energy pathway for the reaction to proceed

It provides an alternative energy pathway for the reaction to proceed

Explanation:

A catalyst is a chemical substance that speedens the rate at which a chemical reaction proceeds. It is first of all important to note that a catalyst does not get used up in the reaction neither does it have any direct participation i. e. it is not a reactant.

A catalyst brings about an increased rate of reaction by lowering the activation energy of the reaction, which is the energy needed to start the reaction. The catalyst does this by providing an alternative energy pathway for the reaction to proceed. Hence, the reactants have more energy to react and therefore do so at a faster rate.