What is the effect of adding a catalyst to a reaction at equilibrium?

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Question: What is the effect of adding a catalyst to a reaction at equilibrium?

Options:

Correct Answer: No effect on equilibrium position

Solution:

A catalyst speeds up the rate of both the forward and reverse reactions equally, thus having no effect on the position of the equilibrium.

What is the effect of adding a catalyst to a reaction at equilibrium?

What is the effect of adding a catalyst to a reaction at equilibrium?

Step 1: Understand what a catalyst is. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
Step 2: Know that in a chemical reaction, there are two parts: the forward reaction (reactants turning into products) and the reverse reaction (products turning back into reactants).
Step 3: Realize that when a catalyst is added, it speeds up both the forward and reverse reactions equally.
Step 4: Since both reactions are sped up by the same amount, the ratio of products to reactants (the position of equilibrium) does not change.
Step 5: Conclude that adding a catalyst does not affect the position of equilibrium; it only helps the reaction reach equilibrium faster.

No concepts available.