A catalyst:
- changes $\Delta G$ for an equation
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acts by increasing the rate of the forward reaction more than the reverse reaction
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raises the equilibrium constant of a system
- may have a molecular weight as low as $1$ or higher than $200,000$
Reveal answer
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Correct answer
Explanation
Gibbs free energy change is a state function which does not depend upon the path taken by the reaction whereas catalyst change path by lowering activation energy.
Catalysts increase the rate of the reaction but have no effect on the yield and catalysts speed up both forward and reverse reaction hence it doesn't change equilibrium constant.
Catalyst doesn't need to be so bulky otherwise instead of fastening the reactions it decreases the speed of reaction. But its weight can be as low as 1 or as high as 200000.