Textbook Question
b. As the temperature increases, does the reaction rate usually increase or decrease?
15. Chemical Kinetics
Factors Influencing Rates
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Which of the following methods can increase the reaction rate of iron(III) oxide?
A
Increasing the temperature
B
Decreasing the surface area of iron(III) oxide
C
Decreasing the concentration of reactants
D
Adding a catalyst
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the factors that affect reaction rates: Reaction rates can be influenced by temperature, concentration of reactants, surface area, and the presence of a catalyst.
Consider the effect of temperature: Increasing the temperature generally increases the reaction rate because it provides more energy to the reactant molecules, allowing them to collide more frequently and with greater energy.
Evaluate the surface area: Decreasing the surface area of a solid reactant typically decreases the reaction rate because there is less area available for collisions between reactant molecules.
Analyze the concentration of reactants: Decreasing the concentration of reactants usually decreases the reaction rate because there are fewer reactant molecules available to collide and react.
Examine the role of a catalyst: Adding a catalyst increases the reaction rate by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy, allowing more reactant molecules to successfully react.
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