JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3sc067
For a reversible reaction at equilibrium, adding a suitable catalyst
Alowers only the forward activation energy and so raises the equilibrium yield
Bincreases K because the forward rate increases more than the reverse rate
Cshifts the equilibrium towards products because the forward rate constant increases
Dlowers the activation energies of the forward and reverse reactions by the same amount and leaves K unchanged
Answer: D
A catalyst lowers Ea of both directions equally and accelerates both rates by the same factor, so it only hastens the approach to equilibrium. K and the equilibrium composition do not change.