Adding a catalyst
2 marks · NormalState two reasons why adding a catalyst is useful in reversible reactions even though it does not affect the position of equilibrium.
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Also accept: Catalyst makes reactions go faster; Reduces time to equilibrium; Increases rate of production; Makes industrial processes quicker/more efficient
Common mistakes: Saying catalyst changes yield
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States the reaction reaches equilibrium faster / time to equilibrium is reduced.
B2 · 1 mark · States that all reactions are sped up / reaction proceeds faster / increases the rate of reaction.
Worked solution
1. A catalyst increases the rate at which equilibrium is reached. 2. It makes both the forward and reverse reactions occur more quickly, which is useful for efficient production.