Effects of Catalysts on the Position of Equilibrium

A catalyst has no effect on the position of equilibrium. It speeds up the forward and reverse reactions by the same factor, so the equilibrium composition does not change.The catalyst lowers the activation energy for both directions, so equilibrium is reached more quickly. The yield of product at equilibrium stays the same.Catalysts are very valuable in industry because they let a reaction reach equilibrium at a useful rate at a lower temperature. This saves energy, reduces costs and lowers carbon dioxide emissions from burning fuels.When a question asks about the effect of a catalyst on an equilibrium, say that the position does not change but the rate at which equilibrium is established increases.