Which of the following statements is false about catalysts?

• A. A catalyst alters the equilibrium position of a chemical reaction.
• B. A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
• C. A catalyst lowers the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.
• D. A catalyst can be either a solid, liquid, or gas.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a catalyst is in the context of chemical reactions. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.
2. Step 2: Recall that a catalyst works by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, which makes it easier for reactants to convert into products.
3. Step 3: Recognize that while a catalyst speeds up the rate at which equilibrium is reached, it does not change the position of the equilibrium itself. The equilibrium constant remains the same.
4. Step 4: Note that catalysts can exist in any physical state—solid, liquid, or gas—depending on the reaction conditions and the nature of the catalyst.
5. Step 5: Based on these points, identify the false statement as the one claiming that a catalyst alters the equilibrium position, since catalysts only affect the rate, not the equilibrium composition.