Question

In a reversible reaction, a catalyst:

• A. increases the rate of the forward reaction only.
• B. increases the rate of the forward reaction to a greater extent than that of the backward reaction.
• C. increases the rate of the forward reaction and decreases that of the backward reaction to a different extent.
• D. increases the rate of the forward and backward reactions equally.

Answer 1

The correct option is D increases the rate of the forward and backward reactions equally.

In a reversible reaction, a catalyst increases the rate of the forward and backward reactions equally.
An increase in rate of reaction in forward direction by a catalyst for a reaction in equilibrium brings in an increase in concentration of products at faster rate and thus, rate of backward reaction also increases to same magnitude and the equilibrium position is not altered. In such reactions equilibrium constant does not alters.