A CATALYST is added to a system at equilibrium. Which of the following effects does the catalyst have?

1. A catalyst provides an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. 2. Because the SAME alternative pathway is offered to both forward and reverse reactions, the rates of BOTH increase by the same factor. 3. The equilibrium constant $K_c = k_f / k_r$ (ratio of forward to reverse rate constants) is therefore UNCHANGED. 4. The catalyst only changes HOW FAST equilibrium is reached, not WHERE it lies. 5. Options A, B, and D would shift the equilibrium itself, which a catalyst cannot do. _Source: NCERT Class 11 Chemistry, Ch 6, §6.8.3 (Effect of a Catalyst on equilibrium), p. 21._