Intermediate Topic 475 of 1102 Kinetics & Equilibrium
Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium
Catalysts speed equilibrium attainment but do not change the position or K.
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In-depth explanation of Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium
A catalyst does not change the position of an equilibrium or the value of the equilibrium constant. It lowers the activation energy for both the forward and reverse reactions by the same amount, so both rates increase equally. As a result the system reaches equilibrium more quickly, but the final concentrations of reactants and products are exactly the same as without the catalyst. This follows from thermodynamics, because the equilibrium constant depends only on the standard free energy change, which a catalyst cannot alter. Catalysts are therefore used to reach equilibrium faster, not to increase the yield.
Going deeper: Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium
Key ideas: A catalyst changes only the time needed to reach equilibrium. Equilibrium composition, K, delta G and delta H stay the same. If a reaction is stuck far from equilibrium because it is slow, a catalyst allows it to proceed to the same equilibrium composition. Also the same catalyst speeds both directions by the same factor.
Common mistakes and connections: The usual error is to say that a catalyst increases yield or shifts equilibrium toward products. Students also state that a catalyst makes a reaction possible that is not thermodynamically allowed, which is false. A catalyst may alter selectivity when several products compete kinetically. This topic connects to microscopic reversibility and to rate considerations in industrial processes.
Visualization of Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium
The catalyst gets to equilibrium sooner but both curves level at the same yield, since K and the final composition are unchanged. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Platinum speeds up the oxidation of SO2 to SO3 but does not change the equilibrium yield of SO3 at a given temperature.
Frequently asked questions about Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium
What is Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium?
Catalysts speed equilibrium attainment but do not change the position or K.
Is Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium is a intermediate topic in Kinetics & Equilibrium. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
What should I learn before Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium?
Study these earlier topics in Kinetics & Equilibrium first: Effect of Concentration on Equilibrium, Effect of Pressure on Equilibrium, Effect of Temperature on Equilibrium.
What comes after Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium?
The next topics in Kinetics & Equilibrium are Haber Process and Contact Process.
Can I practise Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium, and the Kinetics & Equilibrium quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium fits in Kinetics & Equilibrium
Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium is topic 56 of 91 in Kinetics & Equilibrium.