BRAINCAKECatalysts
A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
In a reversible reaction, a catalyst speeds up the forward and reverse reactions by the same factor. This means it has no effect on the position of equilibrium or the value of Kc.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- Catalyst
- A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up, by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
- Equilibrium constant
- A value, Kc, that expresses the relative concentrations of products and reactants at equilibrium for a reaction.
- Position of equilibrium
- The relative amounts of reactants and products present when a reversible reaction has reached equilibrium.
- Oxidation
- The addition of oxygen, the removal of hydrogen, the loss of electrons, or an increase in oxidation number.
- Reduction
- The removal of oxygen, the addition of hydrogen, the gain of electrons, or a decrease in oxidation number.
More in Equilibria
- The Equilibrium Constant Kc
- Finding the Value of Kc
- Example Question - 1
- Example Question - 2
- Example Question - 3
- The Effect of Changing Temperature on Kc
- The Effect of Changing Concentration on the Position of Equilibrium
- Kc and the Position of Equilibrium
All 20 lessons in Equilibria · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics