Explain the factors that increase the rate of a reaction.

For molecules to react with each other, they need to react frequently with the correct speed, enough energy and in the correct direction. An increase in temperature increases the kinetic energy of molecules which allow for more successful collisions because they are travelling at a higher speed. An increase in concentration means that there are more molecules in the reaction mixture which means there is a higher chance of molecules reacting with each other in the mixture. A catalyst can also be used to increase the rate of the reaction, either by providing an intermediate step for the reaction to take place at a lower activation energy - helping the molecules react at a lower energy or by increasing the surface area (by breaking up a molecule) which means the reaction can take place over a larger space and there will be more frequent collisions.