What term describes a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction?

The correct term that describes a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction is a catalyst. Catalysts work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, allowing the reaction to proceed more quickly without being consumed in the process. This property makes catalysts essential in many chemical processes, including those involved in certain nail products.

Oligomer refers to a molecular entity composed of a few repeating units, which may not necessarily influence the speed of a chemical reaction directly. Photoinitiators are substances that absorb light and initiate a chemical reaction, particularly in curing processes like the application of gel nails, but they do not function the same way as catalysts in general chemical reactions. Acrylic is a type of resin commonly used in nail enhancement, but it does not act as a catalyst. Understanding the role of catalysts is crucial in grasping how certain nail products polymerize and cure effectively during manicure and nail enhancement procedures.