Question

In a reversible reaction, the role played by a catalyst is to

• A. increase the rate of the forward reaction only
• B. increase the rate of backward reaction only
• C. increase the rate of the forward and the backward reaction to the same extent.
• D. not affect the rate of either of the reactions.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

increase the rate of the forward and the backward reaction to the same extent.

Catalysts are the substance which alters the rate of the reaction without themselves undergoing any chemical change. In a reversible reaction, a catalyst enhances the rate of a forward and backward reaction to the same extent. It eventually helps the system to reach equilibrium faster.