Which one of the following changes would occur when a catalyst is added to an equilibrium mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methanol?
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 15 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 15
Which one of the following changes would occur when a catalyst is added to an equilibrium mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methanol?
A. The value of ΔH would... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which one of the following changes would occur when a catalyst is added to an equilibrium mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methanol?
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 15 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. The value of ΔH would increase.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. The addition of a catalyst does not affect the enthalpy change (ΔH) of the reaction. It merely provides an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy.
Step 2
B. The amount of methanol would increase.
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Answer
This statement is also incorrect. While a catalyst increases the rate at which equilibrium is reached, it does not affect the position of the equilibrium itself. Thus, the amount of methanol in equilibrium will remain unchanged.
Step 3
C. The temperature of the surroundings would increase.
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Answer
This statement is misleading. While a catalyst speeds up the rate of reaction, the heat produced or absorbed (change in temperature of surroundings) does not change due to the catalyst. Thus, it is not correct to assert that it increases the temperature of surroundings.
Step 4
D. The rates of both the forward and reverse reactions would increase.
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Answer
This is the correct statement. The catalyst lowers the activation energy for both the forward and reverse reactions, thereby increasing their rates, allowing the system to reach equilibrium faster.
