A catalyst is added to a reaction at equilibrium. What is the effect?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The forward and reverse rates both increase, and the equilibrium position and K are unchanged
- Step 1: A catalyst gives an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy for both directions.
- Step 2: Both rates increase equally, so equilibrium is reached faster, but the position and K stay the same.
Answer
both rates increase; position and K unchanged.
Why not the others: The reverse rate is raised too; K depends only on temperature; the catalyst lowers both activation energies.
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