Temperature affects reaction rate because it changes how fast particles move and how often they collide with enough energy.
Key points:
- Higher temperature → faster reaction:
- Particles move faster → more collisions per second.
- More collisions have enough energy to overcome the activation energy.
- Lower temperature → slower reaction:
- Particles move slower → fewer collisions.
- Fewer collisions have enough energy to react.
- Rule of thumb: For many reactions, a 10°C increase roughly doubles the reaction rate.
In short: Higher temperature increases particle energy and collisions, making reactions faster, while lower temperature slows them down.