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

12992 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why are group 1 elements more reactive as you go down the group?


How does sodium chloride (salt/grit) lower the freezing point of water?


What is the difference between an alkane and and alkene


Describe the process of Fractional Distillation


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