Question

How can the rate of a reaction be decreased?

Responses

raising the temperature
raising the temperature

having more surface area
having more surface area

adding a catalyst
adding a catalyst

lowering the amount of reactants
lowering the amount of reactants

Answer 1

To decrease the rate of a reaction, the most effective method among the responses provided would be **lowering the amount of reactants**. Here’s a brief explanation for each option:

1. **Raising the temperature** - Generally increases the reaction rate, as higher temperatures provide reactant molecules with more energy, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions.

2. **Having more surface area** - Increases the rate of reaction, especially for solid reactants, as it allows more particles to be exposed to reactants and collide.

3. **Adding a catalyst** - Speeds up the reaction by lowering the activation energy, thus increasing the reaction rate.

4. **Lowering the amount of reactants** - Decreases the likelihood of collisions between reactant molecules, which slows down the reaction rate.

Therefore, the correct response for decreasing the rate of a reaction is **lowering the amount of reactants**.