Question

Connect each of these circumstances to the rate of a reaction. Explain how the change in circumstances could be implemented in a lab and describe the predicted outcome:

1. Increased temperature
2. Decreased solution concentration
3. Increased surface area of a solid
4. Increasing the rate the reaction without being involved in the reaction.

Answer 1

Changing circumstances in a chemical reaction can affect the rate of the reaction. Increased temperature, decreased solution concentration, increased surface area of a solid, and the use of a catalyst can all impact the reaction rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Changing certain circumstances can have an effect on the rate of a chemical reaction.

1. Increased temperature: This increases the kinetic energy of the reactant particles, leading to more frequent and forceful collisions, resulting in a higher reaction rate.
2. Decreased solution concentration: When the concentration of reactants is decreased, there are fewer particles available for collisions, leading to a lower reaction rate.
3. Increased surface area of a solid: Breaking up a solid into smaller pieces increases the surface area available for reactant particles to collide, leading to a higher reaction rate.
4. Increasing the rate of reaction without being involved in the reaction: This can be achieved by using a catalyst. A catalyst provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy, allowing the reaction to occur more easily and at a faster rate.