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Rates of reaction - (CCEA)Effect of temperature - higher tier

The rate of reaction increases when reactant particles successfully collide more frequently. Temperature, reactant concentration, size of solid reactant particles (surface area) and catalysts can all affect the reaction rate.

Part of Combined ScienceFurther chemical reactions, rates and equilibrium, calculations and organic chemistry

Effect of temperature - higher tier

The rate of a chemical reaction can be changed by altering the temperature. If the temperature is increased:

  • the reactant particles move more quickly
  • they have more energy
  • there are more successful collisions per unit time
  • the rate of reaction increases
Graph of total mass of product against time from start of reaction, for high and low temperature.

Compared to a reaction at a low temperature, the graph line for the same reaction but at a higher temperature:

  • has a steeper gradient at the start
  • becomes horizontal sooner

This shows that the rate of reaction was greater at the higher temperature.