Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

15. Chemical Kinetics

Factors Influencing Rates

General Chemistry

15. Chemical Kinetics

Factors Influencing Rates

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Multiple Choice

How can a living cell increase the rate of a chemical reaction?

By using enzymes as catalysts

By increasing the temperature of the cell

By decreasing the pH of the cell environment

By increasing the concentration of reactants

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living cells without being consumed in the process. They lower the activation energy required for reactions, allowing them to proceed more quickly.

Consider the effect of temperature: Increasing the temperature generally increases the rate of chemical reactions because it provides reactant molecules with more kinetic energy, leading to more frequent and effective collisions. However, in living cells, excessive temperature can denature enzymes, reducing their effectiveness.

Evaluate the impact of pH: Enzymes have optimal pH ranges where they function best. Deviating from this range can alter the enzyme's structure and function, potentially decreasing the reaction rate. Therefore, decreasing the pH might not always increase the reaction rate unless it aligns with the enzyme's optimal pH.

Analyze the concentration of reactants: Increasing the concentration of reactants can lead to a higher frequency of collisions between reactant molecules, thus increasing the rate of reaction. This is a common method to increase reaction rates in both chemical and biological systems.

Conclude with the most effective method: Using enzymes as catalysts is the most efficient way for a living cell to increase the rate of a chemical reaction, as they specifically target and accelerate reactions under physiological conditions without adverse effects.