When a catalyst is added to a reversible reaction, at equilibrium state the value of equilibrium constant _ ?

Explanation

Option A: Decreases: This option suggests that the addition of a catalyst to a reversible reaction would cause the equilibrium constant to decrease. However, this is not the case. The equilibrium constant is a fixed value determined by the temperature, pressure, and concentrations of the species involved in the reaction, and it is unaffected by the presence of a catalyst. Option B: Increases: This option proposes that the equilibrium constant increases when a catalyst is added. However, as mentioned earlier, the equilibrium constant remains unchanged by the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst speeds up the attainment of equilibrium but does not impact the equilibrium constant itself. Option C: The equilibrium constant remains the same when a catalyst is added to a reversible reaction. A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, allowing the reaction to reach equilibrium more quickly, but it does not alter the position of equilibrium or the equilibrium constant. Option D: First decrease then increase: This option suggests that the equilibrium constant initially decreases and then increases upon adding a catalyst. However, this is not an accurate representation. As explained earlier, the equilibrium constant does not change when a catalyst is introduced. Therefore, the equilibrium constant neither decreases nor increases in this scenario.