How will a catalyst affect the position of equilibrium?

A catalyst is something that speeds up the rate of reaction, without being consumed during the reaction. If a catalyst is used in a reaction, it will only speed up the forward and backward reaction, however the equilibrium position remains unchanged/constant. For example, in the Haber process for the synthesis of ammonia, introducing a catalyst will only increase the rate of the reaction, however the position of the equilibrium will not change.

ZK

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the significance of a reactant being zero, first, or second order when calculating the rate of a reaction?


Explain why transition metal compounds are often coloured in solution.


What is the definition of Avogadro's constant and when should I use it?


pH and Kw question: A student dissolves 1.75g of a drain cleaner (based on NaOH) in water and makes the solution up to 100cm3. The student measures the solution pH as 13.60. Determine the percentage of NaOH in the drain cleaner, in terms of mass (g).