Final answer:
The rate at which a substance dissolves can be increased by raising the temperature, which enhances the kinetic energy and collision frequency between the solvent and solute.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate at which a substance dissolves in water can be altered by an increase in temperature. Heating up a solvent like water gives the molecules more kinetic energy, leading to more frequent and forceful collisions between the solvent molecules and the solute, which increases the rate of dissolution. Factors like using a filter or allowing the mixture to settle do not affect the rate of dissolution. On the other hand, adding ice to water would lower the temperature and slow down the process of dissolution, since solubility of most solid solutes increases with temperature.