What effect does increasing temperature generally have on reaction rate?

Study for the 2025 QRC Chemist Evaluation Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get exam-ready now!

Increasing temperature generally increases the reaction rate due to the impact of temperature on the energy of the reacting particles. As temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the molecules also increases, causing them to move faster and collide more frequently. These more frequent collisions, along with the increased energy, mean that a larger proportion of collisions have enough energy to overcome the activation energy barrier, facilitating the transformation into products.

This principle is observed in various types of chemical reactions, regardless of whether they are exothermic or endothermic. The effect of temperature on reaction rates is a fundamental aspect of chemical kinetics, clearly demonstrating that reactions will often proceed faster as the temperature is raised, promoting greater molecular interaction and reactivity.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy