Answer:
catalysts do not shift the equilibrium position of a chemical reaction because they do not affect the free energy difference between reactants and products
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand this better, let's consider an example. The Haber process is used to produce ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gas:
N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g)
This reaction is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat. According to Le Chatelier's principle, adding heat to an exothermic reaction will shift the equilibrium position towards the reactants (N2 and H2). Conversely, removing heat from the system will shift the equilibrium position towards the products (NH3).
Now, let's say we add a catalyst to this reaction. The catalyst will speed up both the forward and reverse reactions equally, without affecting their relative rates. This means that although the reaction will reach equilibrium faster with a catalyst present, it will still reach the same equilibrium position as it would without a catalyst.