3:21

3:21 (Triple only) understand why a catalyst does not affect the position of equilibrium in a reversible reaction

A catalyst is a substance which increases the rate of reaction without being chemically changed at the end of the reaction.

A reversible reaction is one where the forward reaction and the backward reaction happen simultaneously. For example:

3H₂ + N₂ ⇋ 2NH₃

In such a reaction a catalyst speeds up both the forward and the backward reactions. Hence, although the system will reach dynamic equilibrium more quickly, the addition of a catalyst will not affect the position of equilibrium.

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Section 1: Principles of chemistry

      a) States of matter

      b) Atoms

      c) Atomic structure

     d) Relative formula masses and molar volumes of gases

     e) Chemical formulae and chemical equations

     f) Ionic compounds

     g) Covalent substances

     h) Metallic crystals

     i) Electrolysis

 Section 2: Chemistry of the elements

     a) The Periodic Table

     b) Group 1 elements: lithium, sodium and potassium

     c) Group 7 elements: chlorine, bromine and iodine

     d) Oxygen and oxides

     e) Hydrogen and water

     f) Reactivity series

     g) Tests for ions and gases

Section 3: Organic chemistry

     a) Introduction

     b) Alkanes

     c) Alkenes

     d) Ethanol

Section 4: Physical chemistry

     a) Acids, alkalis and salts

     b) Energetics

     c) Rates of reaction

     d) Equilibria

Section 5: Chemistry in industry

     a) Extraction and uses of metals

     b) Crude oil

     c) Synthetic polymers

     d) The industrial manufacture of chemicals

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