Factors Affecting Reaction Rate

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What is meant by the reaction rate in chemistry?

The reaction rate is the speed at which reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction.

How does temperature affect reaction rate?

Increasing temperature generally increases the reaction rate because it raises the energy levels of the molecules, increasing the number of collisions.

What role does concentration play in affecting the reaction rate?

Higher concentration of reactants usually leads to a higher reaction rate because more reactant particles are available to collide.

How do catalysts affect the rate of reaction?

Catalysts increase the reaction rate by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy.

What is the effect of surface area on the reaction rate?

Increasing the surface area of a solid reactant increases the reaction rate by allowing more area for collisions to take place.

What is activation energy?

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

How does pressure affect the reaction rate of gases?

Increasing pressure increases the reaction rate of gases by reducing volume and increasing frequency of molecular collisions.

What is the collision theory of reaction rates?

Collision theory states that chemical reactions occur when particles collide with sufficient energy and correct orientation.

What is meant by a rate-determining step?

The rate-determining step is the slowest step in a reaction mechanism that limits the overall rate of the reaction.

Describe the impact of solvent on reaction rate.

The solvent can affect the reaction rate by influencing reactant solubility and interaction frequency.

How do inhibitors affect the rate of reaction?

Inhibitors decrease the reaction rate by interfering with reactant interactions or catalyst action.

What is a homogeneous catalyst?

A homogeneous catalyst is in the same phase as the reactants and facilitates the reaction in the same phase.

Explain what a heterogeneous catalyst is.

A heterogeneous catalyst is in a different phase than the reactants and typically provides a surface for the reaction to occur.

What is the role of light in affecting reaction rates?

Light can increase reaction rates by providing energy to molecules, leading to photochemical reactions.

Why does increasing the number of reactant particles increase the rate of a reaction?

More reactant particles increase the chance of effective collisions, hence increasing the reaction rate.


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