Question

Which of the following statements is false regarding the equilibrium constant?

(a) it has a definite value for every chemical reaction at a particular temperature

(b) it is independent of initial concentrations of the reactants

(c) it is dependent on the presence of a catalyst

(d) if K is the equilibrium constant for a backward reaction then the forward reaction’s equilibrium constant is 1/k

I got this question in an interview.

Origin of the question is Equilibrium in Physical Processes in division Equilibrium of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Right option is (c) it is dependent on the presence of a catalyst

Explanation: Equilibrium constant is independent of the presence of a catalyst, so the statement regarding the catalyst is wrong. A catalyst helps reaction to attain its equilibrium faster but does not alter the equilibrium constant.