What does the rate of chemical reactions depend on?

The rate of chemical reactions depends on the temperature, concentration of the reactants, size of the particles reacting and whether there are any catalysts present.

When the temperature is increased, the average kinetic energy of the particles present is increased. When the particles have higher kinetic energy, they move faster and are therefore more likely to collide. The increased temperature also leads to more particles having sufficient energy to react.

When the concentration of reactants is increased, there are more collisions as there are more particles in close proximity to each other.

Collisions (reactions) occur at the surface of particles. The smaller the particle size, the more surface area there is. Because there is more surface area, the reaction will take place more quickly.

Catalysts provide an alternate reaction pathway with a lower activation energy than otherwise required. This means that particles do not need as much energy to react when they collide and therefore increases the rate of the reaction.

EF
Answered by Emma F. Chemistry tutor

28487 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain the substitution reaction of a primary halogenoalkane with sodium hydroxide.


how can you identify a chiral carbon in a molecule?


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.


How are Van der Waals interactions formed between molecules?


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