1) Temperature: Increasing the temperature of a reaction generally increases the reaction rate. This is because higher temperatures provide more energy to the reacting molecules, allowing them to collide with greater force and frequency. The increased energy also leads to more successful collisions that result in the formation of the products. Additionally, higher temperatures can also increase the number of molecules with energies exceeding the activation energy, thereby increasing the proportion of effective collisions.
2) Concentration: Increasing the concentration of reactants also increases the reaction rate. This is because a higher concentration means more reactant molecules are present in a given volume, increasing the chances of successful collisions. When the concentration of reactants is high, the frequency of collisions between the reactant molecules is significantly higher, leading to a faster reaction rate. Additionally, higher concentrations can also increase the proportion of reactant molecules with energies exceeding the activation energy, further promoting the reaction.
Identify and describe two factors that increase reaction rates.
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