?In this chapter we learned that a catalyst has no effect on the position of an | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Chemistry

Chapter 14 Problem 93P

Question

In this chapter we learned that a catalyst has no effect on the position of an equilibrium because it speeds up both the forward and reverse rates to the same extent. To test this statement, consider a situation in which an equilibrium of the type

\(2 A(g)\ \leftrightharpoons\ B(g)\)

is established inside a cylinder fitted with a weightless piston. The piston is attached by a string to the cover of a box containing a catalyst. When the piston moves upward (expanding against atmospheric pressure), the cover is lifted and the catalyst is exposed to the gases. When the piston moves downward, the box is closed. Assume that the catalyst speeds up the forward reaction \((2 A\ \rightarrow\ B)\) but does not affect the reverse process \((B\ \rightarrow\ 2 A)\). Suppose the catalyst is suddenly exposed to the equilibrium system as shown here. Describe what would happen subsequently. How does this “thought" experiment convince you that no such catalyst can exist?

Solution

Step 1 of 5)

The first step in solving 14 problem number trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: In this chapter we learned that a catalyst has no effect on the position of an equilibrium because it speeds up both the forward and reverse rates to the same extent. To test this statement, consider a situation in which an equilibrium of the type\(2 A(g)\ \leftrightharpoons\ B(g)\)is established inside a cylinder fitted with a weightless piston. The piston is attached by a string to the cover of a box containing a catalyst. When the piston moves upward (expanding against atmospheric pressure), the cover is lifted and the catalyst is exposed to the gases. When the piston moves downward, the box is closed. Assume that the catalyst speeds up the forward reaction \((2 A\ \rightarrow\ B)\) but does not affect the reverse process \((B\ \rightarrow\ 2 A)\). Suppose the catalyst is suddenly exposed to the equilibrium system as shown here. Describe what would happen subsequently. How does this “thought" experiment convince you that no such catalyst can exist?
From the textbook chapter Chemical Equilibrium you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

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full solution

Title Chemistry 11 
Author Raymond Chang
ISBN 9780073402680

?In this chapter we learned that a catalyst has no effect on the position of an

Chapter 14 textbook questions

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