The reaction between potassium iodate KIO3 and sodium sulfite Na2SO3 in acidic aqueous solution can be represented by the following balanced equation:3 I2 + 2 S2O3^2- 2 I3^- + S4O6^2-The reaction rate is a measure of how fast the reaction proceeds, while the equilibrium constant K is a measure of the position of the equilibrium in the reaction. The relationship between the reaction rate and the equilibrium constant is not a direct one. The reaction rate depends on the concentrations of the reactants and the rate constant k , while the equilibrium constant depends on the ratio of the concentrations of the products to the reactants at equilibrium.A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It does so by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. The addition of a catalyst to the reaction between potassium iodate and sodium sulfite in acidic aqueous solution will increase the reaction rate, allowing the reaction to reach equilibrium more quickly.However, it is important to note that the addition of a catalyst does not affect the position of the equilibrium or the equilibrium constant K . The catalyst only affects the rate at which the reaction reaches equilibrium, not the final concentrations of the reactants and products at equilibrium.