An exothermic chemical reaction is catalyzed by `X` . Which of the following statements is correct in this context?

Options

A. `X` decreases `E_(a)`
B. `X` does not affect the equilibrium constant
C. `A` catalyst is highly specific
D. All of these

Answer

D

Explanation

A catalyst (organic as well as inorganic) lowers the energy of activation by providing a different mechanism for the reaction.
A catayst speed up the forward and reverse reaction to the same extent and therefore does not affect the equilibrium constant.
Action of a catalyst is highly specific in nature, i.e., a given substance can act as a catalyst only in a particular reaction but not for all the reactions. For example, `MnO_(2)` can catalyze only the thermal decomposition of `KClO_(3)` but not of `KClO_(4)` or `KClO_(2)` .