Question

Why catalyst does not affect the equilibrium?

Answer 1

1. Chemical equilibrium refers to the state of a system in which the concentrations of reactants (R) and products (P) become constant over time. This state is achieved when the rates of forwarding reaction ($\mathrm{R}\to \mathrm{P}$) and reverse reaction ($\mathrm{P}\to \mathrm{R}$) become equal.
2. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of the reaction without itself getting involved in the chemical reaction.
3. Since catalysts do not involve themselves in the chemical reaction, they do not affect the chemical equilibrium. Catalysts merely make it quicker to achieve the state of equilibrium.
4. Catalysts do not affect the equilibrium because they are not involved in the chemical reaction.