Question

What happen with the concentration of the reactants when a catalyst is added to the reaction at equilibrium?

• A. Decrease
• B. Increase
• C. Remain the same
• D. Approach zero
• E. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C Remain the same

A catalyst speeds up the forward and back reaction to the same extent. Because adding a catalyst doesn't affect the relative rates of the two reactions, it can't affect the position of equilibrium.

At equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products for the catalyzed reaction are the same as for the uncatalyzed reaction.

In other words, the addition of the catalyst does not affect the value of the equilibrium constant.

Hence, option C is correct.