If a catalyst is added to the reaction A + B ⇌ C + D, what is the effect on the

If a catalyst is added to the reaction A + B ⇌ C + D, what is the effect on the equilibrium position?

If a catalyst is added to the reaction A + B ⇌ C + D, what is the effect on the equilibrium position?

Step 1: Understand that a catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction.
Step 2: Recognize that the reaction A + B ⇌ C + D can go in two directions: forward (A + B to C + D) and reverse (C + D to A + B).
Step 3: Know that a catalyst affects both the forward and reverse reactions equally.
Step 4: Realize that by speeding up both reactions, the catalyst helps the system reach equilibrium faster but does not change the amounts of A, B, C, or D at equilibrium.
Step 5: Conclude that the position of the equilibrium (the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium) remains the same when a catalyst is added.

Catalysis – A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy, but does not change the equilibrium position.
Equilibrium – The state in a reversible reaction where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products.