A catalyst accelerates the reaction by……… the activation energy of the reaction, or by forming an …………..with……………..activation energy.

Answer

To solve the question, we need to fill in the blanks regarding how a catalyst affects a chemical reaction. Let's break it down step by step:

### Step 1: Understanding the Role of a Catalyst
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It achieves this by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy.

**Hint:** Recall the definition and function of a catalyst in chemical reactions.

### Step 2: Filling in the First Blank
The first part of the statement asks how a catalyst accelerates the reaction. A key feature of catalysts is that they lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Therefore, the first blank should be filled with the word "decreasing."

**Hint:** Think about how activation energy affects the rate of reaction.

### Step 3: Filling in the Second Blank
The second part of the statement mentions that a catalyst can also accelerate the reaction by forming something. In the context of catalysis, catalysts often form an intermediate species during the reaction, which has a lower activation energy compared to the original reactants.

**Hint:** Consider what type of species a catalyst might form during a reaction.

### Step 4: Filling in the Third Blank
The final part of the statement specifies the type of activation energy associated with the intermediate formed by the catalyst. Since the intermediate is formed through a pathway with lower activation energy, we can fill in this blank with the word "low."

**Hint:** Reflect on the characteristics of the intermediate formed in a catalyzed reaction.

### Final Answer
Putting it all together, we can complete the statement as follows:
"A catalyst accelerates the reaction by **decreasing** the activation energy of the reaction, or by forming an **intermediate** with **low** activation energy."

### Summary of the Solution
1. A catalyst accelerates the reaction by **decreasing** the activation energy.
2. It can also form an **intermediate**.
3. This intermediate has **low** activation energy.