In a reaction at equilibrium, what is the effect of adding a catalyst?
Practice Questions
Q1
In a reaction at equilibrium, what is the effect of adding a catalyst?
Shifts the equilibrium to the right
Shifts the equilibrium to the left
No effect on the equilibrium position
Increases the concentration of products
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In a reaction at equilibrium, what is the effect of adding a catalyst?
Step 1: Understand what equilibrium means. It is a state where the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate.
Step 2: Know what a catalyst is. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
Step 3: Realize that when a catalyst is added to a reaction at equilibrium, it affects both the forward and reverse reactions equally.
Step 4: Since the catalyst speeds up both reactions at the same rate, it does not change the concentrations of the reactants and products at equilibrium.
Step 5: Conclude that adding a catalyst does not shift the position of the equilibrium; it only helps the system reach equilibrium faster.
