Which statement best describes how a catalyst can speed up a chemical reaction

The catalyst makes lower energy pathways available.

Explanation:

Catalyst is a chemical that does not participate in the chemical reaction but provides lower energy pathways. Thus, the catalyst decreases the activation energy and increases the reaction speed. The catalyst accelerates the reaction but does not change the chemical composition of the reagents and products involved. The amount of substance produced in the reaction does not change with the use of catalysts.

If the reaction is reversible, the reverse reaction will also be accelerated because its activation energy will also have a smaller value. The catalyst does not change the enthalpy variation.