How does increasing the temperature increase the rate of a reaction?

In order for a reaction to take place molecules must collide with enough energy, which is known as the activation energy. Therefore when you heat a reaction mixture the heat energy is converted into the kinetic energy of the molecules. This means the molecules move around faster so there are more frequent collisions, so the rate of the reaction increases. It also means that more molecules have enough energy for the reaction to take place, which is the activation energy, so there are more successful collisions, which increases the rate of the reaction.

AC
Answered by Alicia C. Chemistry tutor

12515 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how and explain why vegetable oils are hardened for use in foods. [5 marks]


What is the difference between covalent compounds and ionic compounds?


What are the three types of intramolecular bonding?


Explain why chloride and bromide are in the same group in the period table. Also describe the electronic structures of both.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning