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JEE Chemistry 2025 Question with Solution

Given below are two statements:

Statement I: A catalyst cannot alter the equilibrium constant KcK_c of the reaction, temperature remaining constant.

Statement II: A homogeneous catalyst can change the equilibrium composition of a system, temperature remaining constant.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

  • A

    Statement I is false but Statement II is true

  • B

    Both Statement I and Statement II are true

  • C

    Both Statement I and Statement II are false

  • D

    Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Two statements about the effect of a catalyst on chemical equilibrium.

Find: Which option correctly identifies the truth values of Statement I and Statement II.

A catalyst changes the rate at which equilibrium is reached, but the equilibrium constant KcK_c depends only on temperature. Therefore, a catalyst cannot alter the value of KcK_c when temperature remains constant.

For a homogeneous catalyst also, the catalyst speeds up both the forward and reverse reactions equally. Hence, it does not change the equilibrium composition of the system at a fixed temperature. The solution marks the correct option as B, but its explanation for Statement II is internally inconsistent with standard equilibrium theory.

So, by the solution authority, the correct option is B: Both Statement I and Statement II are true.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming that a catalyst changes KcK_c because it changes reaction rates. This is wrong because KcK_c depends only on temperature. A catalyst only helps the system reach equilibrium faster.

  • Confusing rate of reaching equilibrium with equilibrium composition. These are different ideas. A catalyst affects the speed of approach, not the final equilibrium concentrations at fixed temperature.

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