What factors affect the rate of a reaction?

i) Concentration of reactants, or pressure for gases-  As there are more particles in a certain volume, they collide more often so there is a greater chance of successful collisions per unit timeii) Pressure (when gases are involved)iii) Surface area (of solid reactants)- The number of particles exposed increases, thus increasing the effective concentration of the reactant, again leading to a greater chance of successful collisionsiv) Temperature - An increase in temperature increases the average number of collisions per unit time, but also increases the kinetic energy of the particles. Thus, there is a greater chance of collisions but as the particles collide harder there is also a larger proportion of particles with greater energy than the activation energy, so more collisions are successful as well.v) Catalysts- Allow the reaction to proceed via an alternative pathway of lower activation energy, increasing the rate 

Answered by Alexandra B. Chemistry tutor

1741 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

There are three halogenoalkanes with halogens F, Br and I. Each undergo an SN2 reaction. How does the rate of reaction differ between the three halogenoalkanes?


Sodium and sodium iodide can both conduct electricity when molten, but only sodium can conduct electricity when solid. Explain this difference in conductivity in terms of the structures of sodium and sodium iodide.


Calculate ΔG (in kJ/mol) of the reaction of molecular oxygen and carbon monoxide to produce carbon dioxide. The reaction occurs at 25°C. ΔH = -566 kJ/mol, ΔS = -173 J/K. Based on the result, determine the spontaneity of the reaction.


0.1 M sodium hydroxide (strong base) is added to 25 ml of 0.1 M of ethanoic acid (weak acid) in a titration. What is the pH at equivalence?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy