Could you explain how an increased temperature increases the rate of reaction?

A chemical reaction will only occur if the molecules collide with enough energy, when you apply heat to a reaction you're giving the molecules more energy so when they collide they're more likely to react.

Also, when molecules are heated they vibrate more. As there is more movement of the molecules they will collide more often. This means there will be more successful collisions and that means there is a faster rate of reaction. 

DB
Answered by Dominic B. Chemistry tutor

2585 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is chlorine more reactive than iodine?


Name the sub-atomical particles in the nucleus and their relative charges?


Calculate the percentage, by mass, of carbon in sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHCO3)


5.00 g of copper(II) carbonate decomposes to form copper(II) oxide and carbon dioxide: CuCO3(g) → CuO(s) + CO2(g). Calculate the maximum mass of carbon dioxide that can be produced. (Mr of CuCO3 = 123.5, Mr of CO2 = 44.0)


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