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

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Q: What is the effect of adding a catalyst to a system at equilibrium?

Solution: A catalyst increases the rate of both the forward and reverse reactions equally, thus it does not shift the position of equilibrium.

Steps: 6

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 a chemical reaction can go in two directions: forward (reactants to products) and reverse (products to reactants).
Step 3: Recognize that a system at equilibrium means the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.
Step 4: When a catalyst is added, it speeds up both the forward and reverse reactions equally.
Step 5: Since both reactions are sped up by the same amount, the ratio of products to reactants remains the same.
Step 6: Conclude that adding a catalyst does not change the position of equilibrium; it only helps the system reach equilibrium faster.