Which of the following is/are the characteristic of a catalyst?

Options

A. It changes equilibrium point
B. It alter the rate of reaction
C. It initiates the reaction
D. It increases the average `KE` of molecules

Explanation

To determine the characteristics of a catalyst, we will analyze each option provided in the question:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Role of a Catalyst:**
- A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. It achieves this by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy.

2. **Analyzing Each Option:**
- **Option A: It changes the equilibrium point.**
- This statement is **incorrect**. A catalyst does not change the position of the equilibrium; it only helps to reach the equilibrium faster. Therefore, this is **not a characteristic of a catalyst**.

- **Option B: It alters the rate of reaction.**
- This statement is **correct**. A catalyst increases the rate of reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. Thus, this is **a characteristic of a catalyst**.

- **Option C: It initiates the reactions.**
- This statement is also **correct**. While catalysts do not initiate reactions in the sense of starting them from scratch, they can facilitate the reaction process and help overcome the energy barrier. Therefore, this is considered **a characteristic of a catalyst**.

- **Option D: It increases the average kinetic energy of molecules.**
- This statement is **incorrect**. A catalyst does not increase the average kinetic energy of the molecules; instead, it lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Thus, this is **not a characteristic of a catalyst**.

3. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the analysis, the characteristics of a catalyst are:
- **B: It alters the rate of reaction.**
- **C: It initiates the reactions.**
- Options A and D do not represent characteristics of a catalyst.

### Final Answer:
The characteristics of a catalyst are **B and C**.