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 route with a lower activation energy. The forward and reverse reactions both pass through this same route, so the activation energy of each is lowered by the same amount and both rates increase by the same factor.
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Key terms in this lesson
- activation energy
- The minimum energy that colliding particles must have for a reaction to occur.
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 Edexcel A-level Chemistry topics