How does a chemical catalyst accelerate a reaction without altering the position of chemical equilibrium?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. By providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy for both directions
A catalyst provides an alternative transition state with lower activation energy (Ea). Because it lowers the activation barrier by the exact same amount for both the forward and reverse directions, both rate constants (k_forward and k_reverse) increase proportionally. Therefore, the equilibrium constant (K = k_forward / k_reverse) and the thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations are unchanged.
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