All of the following statements with respect to the effect of a catalyst on a reaction are true except:
A) A catalyst has no effect on the equilibrium composition of the reaction.
B) A catalyst provides a lower activation energy for the reaction.
C) When a reaction is catalyzed, both forward and reverse reactions are accelerated.
D) A catalyst speeds up a reaction by providing an alternate pathway for the reaction.
E) When a catalyst speeds up a reaction, the rate law stays the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A catalyst affects the rate at which equilibrium is reached but does not change the equilibrium composition itself (A is true). It lowers the activation energy (B is true) and accelerates both the forward and reverse reactions (C is true) by providing an alternate pathway (D is true). However, the presence of a catalyst can change the rate law of a reaction because it alters the mechanism by which the reaction occurs, making E the incorrect statement.

All of the Following Statements with Respect to the Effect