How does an increase in temperature affect the rate of a chemical reaction?

An increase in temperature will increse the rate of a chemical reaction, and a decrease in temperature will decrese the rate. This is because the hotter the reactant particles are, the more kinetic energy the particles will have. Reactions only occur when particles collide successfully. For particles to collide successfully, they must collide with enough energy. Therefore, the greater the energy of the particles, the greater the number of successfull collisions there will be. The greater the number if successful collitions in a given time e.g. one minute, the fater the rate of the reaction. In addition, due to the increase in kinetic energy, the particles will be moving more quickly. This means collisions will also take place more frequently, this will also contribute to an increased rate of reaction.

VE
Answered by Victoria E. Chemistry tutor

12506 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of fractional distillation of crude oil


What is the electronic structure of sulphur


How can you distinguish between an endothermic reaction and an exothermic reaction based on temperature change of the surroundings.


What effect does temperature change have on an equilibrium reaction?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning