2. Explain (on the molecular level) why an increase in temperature would increase the reaction rate.

Answer 1

An increase in temperature would increase the reaction rate due to the increase in kinetic energy of the molecules. At higher temperatures, molecules move faster and collide more frequently and with greater energy. This increased collision frequency and energy leads to a higher likelihood that the molecules will collide in the correct orientation and with enough energy to overcome the activation energy barrier, resulting in a faster reaction rate. Additionally, higher temperatures can also lead to an increase in the rate of formation of reactive intermediates or transition states, further accelerating the reaction. Overall, the increased temperature provides the molecules with the necessary energy to overcome the activation energy barrier and proceed with the reaction at a faster rate.