What is the term used for a substance that reduces the rate of a chemical reaction?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) Inhibitor

Explanation:

• An inhibitor is a substance that reduces the rate of a chemical reaction.
• It works by either decreasing the activity of reactants or blocking the reaction pathway, thus slowing down the overall reaction.

Information Booster:

• Inhibitors are widely used in:
• Food industry → to slow spoilage (e.g., antioxidants).
• Pharmaceuticals → enzyme inhibitors in medicines.
• Corrosion control → to slow metal rusting.
• Opposite of inhibitor = catalyst, which speeds up reactions.

Additional Knowledge :

• (a) Catalyst: Increases (not decreases) the rate of a reaction.
• (b) Reactant: Substance that takes part and is consumed in a chemical reaction.
• (c) Product: Substance formed as a result of the chemical reaction.