0 votes
51 views
ago in Chemical equilibrium by (710 points)
What is the effect of adding a catalyst on the equilibrium position of a redox reaction between potassium permanganate and oxalic acid if the reaction has already reached equilibrium at a specific temperature and pressure? Provide a detailed explanation and show your calculations.

1 Answer

0 votes
ago by (570 points)
Adding a catalyst to a chemical reaction does not affect the equilibrium position of the reaction. A catalyst works by lowering the activation energy of the reaction, which increases the rate at which the reaction proceeds. However, it does not change the thermodynamics of the reaction, meaning that the equilibrium constant  K  remains the same.In the redox reaction between potassium permanganate  KMnO4  and oxalic acid  H2C2O4 , the balanced equation is:2 KMnO4 + 5 H2C2O4 + 3 H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2 MnSO4 + 10 CO2 + 8 H2OAt equilibrium, the reaction quotient  Q  is equal to the equilibrium constant  K . Adding a catalyst will not change the value of K, so the equilibrium position will remain the same.To further illustrate this, let's consider the reaction at equilibrium:aA + bB  cC + dDThe equilibrium constant  K  is given by:K =  [C]^c * [D]^d  /  [A]â * [B]^b where [A], [B], [C], and [D] are the equilibrium concentrations of the respective species, and a, b, c, and d are their stoichiometric coefficients.Since adding a catalyst does not change the value of K, the equilibrium concentrations of the reactants and products will remain the same. The only difference is that the reaction will reach equilibrium faster due to the presence of the catalyst.In conclusion, adding a catalyst to the redox reaction between potassium permanganate and oxalic acid will not affect the equilibrium position of the reaction. It will only increase the rate at which the reaction reaches equilibrium.

Related questions

Welcome to Sarvan Science Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...