Can a catalyst alter the position of equilibrium or the value of Kc?

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy. While a catalyst speeds up the rate at which equilibrium is reached for both the forward and reverse reactions, it does not change the actual position of the equilibrium or the equilibrium constant (Kc).

The position of equilibrium is determined by the relative energies of the reactants and products and the stoichiometry of the reaction. A catalyst affects the kinetics of the reaction but does not alter the thermodynamic parameters that define the equilibrium state. Therefore, although a catalyst makes it faster to reach equilibrium, it does not shift the equilibrium position toward products or reactants, nor does it change the value of Kc, which is a constant at a given temperature for a specific reaction.

This is why the correct statement is that a catalyst does not change the equilibrium position.