Question

Which of the following is a character of catalyst?

• A. It changes the position of equilibrium.
• B. It increases the rates of both forward and backward reactions equally in reversible reactions.
• C. It affects the energies of reactants and products of the reaction.
• D. It increases the activation energy of reactants.

Hint:

Remember that a catalyst speeds up the rate of reaction by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. It does not affect the equilibrium position or the energy of reactants/products.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the properties of a catalyst.
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It does not change the position of equilibrium, affect the energies of reactants and products, or increase the activation energy. Instead, it provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy for both forward and backward reactions.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) It changes the position of equilibrium: This is incorrect. A catalyst does not change the equilibrium position; it only accelerates the reaction.
(B) It increases the rates of both forward and backward reactions equally in reversible reactions: Correct — A catalyst increases the rate of both the forward and backward reactions in a reversible reaction equally.
(C) It affects the energies of reactants and products of the reaction: This is incorrect. A catalyst does not affect the energy of reactants or products.
(D) It increases the activation energy of reactants: This is incorrect. A catalyst lowers the activation energy of a reaction, not increases it.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) It increases the rates of both forward and backward reactions equally in reversible reactions.