What is the effect of adding a catalyst to a reaction at equilibrium?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the effect of adding a catalyst to a reaction at equilibrium?
Shifts the equilibrium to the right
Shifts the equilibrium to the left
No effect on equilibrium position
Increases the concentration of products
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
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.
