Final answer:
The rate of a reaction depends on temperature, concentration, and the presence of a catalyst.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of a reaction depends on several factors, including temperature, concentration, and the presence of a catalyst.
Temperature affects reaction rate because it determines the kinetic energy of the reactant molecules. An increase in temperature generally leads to a higher reaction rate because the molecules move faster and collide more frequently.
Concentration is another factor that affects reaction rate. Increasing the concentration of reactants increases the likelihood of collisions between reactant molecules, leading to a higher reaction rate.
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. It does not get consumed in the reaction, so it can be used repeatedly.