BRAINCAKECatalysts and Kc
Catalysts have no effect on the value of Kc. They affect both the rates of the forward and reverse reactions by the same amount. Catalysts affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached.
A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. The same pathway is used in both directions, so the forward and reverse rates increase by the same factor. Kc depends only on temperature, so a catalyst does not change Kc, the equilibrium concentrations or the position of equilibrium, and it does not change the yield. It only reduces the time taken to reach equilibrium.
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Key terms in this lesson
- haber process
- The industrial process for manufacturing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, using an iron catalyst, a compromise temperature and high pressure.
More in Equilibria
- Dynamic Equilibria
- Homogenous and Heterogenous Equilibria and Kc
- Finding the Value of Kc
- The Effect of Temperature on Kc
- Partial Pressures and Kp
All 6 lessons in Equilibria · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics