Look at the conversation between two students about the effect of temperature and a catalyst on the equilibrium position and then answer the questions that follow.

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In what way has student B misunderstood the effect of raising the temperature on an equilibrium mixture?

The rates of both the forward and back reactions increase when the mixture is heated but the increase in rate is different in each case. Which one is increased more depends on whether the forward reaction is exothermic or endothermic.

What misconception does student B reveal when describing the effect of a catalyst on the position of equilibrium?

The student is treating the forward and back reactions as separate reactions that occur one after another. In fact the forward and back reactions refer to the same reaction and occur simultaneously.