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Which statement about the addition of a catalyst to an equilibrium mixture is correct? A - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 20 - 2021 - Paper 3
Question 20
Which statement about the addition of a catalyst to an equilibrium mixture is correct? A. The activation energy for the reverse reaction increases. B. The equilibr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which statement about the addition of a catalyst to an equilibrium mixture is correct? A - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 20 - 2021 - Paper 3
Step 1
C. The rate of the reverse reaction increases.
Answer
When a catalyst is added to an equilibrium mixture, it speeds up the rate of both the forward and reverse reactions equally. This means that the time taken to reach equilibrium is reduced, but the position of equilibrium itself does not change. Therefore, while the rate of the reverse reaction does increase, the equilibrium constant remains unchanged. In conclusion, option C is correct.