BRAINCAKECatalysts
A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. In a reversible reaction the same catalyst lowers the activation energy of both the forward and the reverse reactions.
The rates of the forward and reverse reactions are increased equally. This means a catalyst has no effect on the position of equilibrium, so it does not change the yield or the equilibrium concentrations.
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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.
- Position of equilibrium
- The relative amounts of reactants and products present when a reversible reaction has reached equilibrium.
More in Equilibria
- Le Chatelier's Principle
- Changing Concentrations
- Changing Pressure
- Changing Temperature
- Equilibrium Reactions in Industry
- Ammonia
- Ethanol
- Methanol
All 20 lessons in Equilibria · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics