Factors that affect Rate of Reaction

What is the activation energy?

The least amount of energy needed in order to get the molecules to react (the boost of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur).

What are the four factors that generally impact the rate of reaction?

Temperature, concentration, surface area, and either an inhibitor or a catalyst.

How does temperature affect the rate of reaction?

The higher the temperature, the faster the rate of reaction (particles move more quickly, collide more often and with greater energy).

How does concentration affect the rate of reaction?

A higher concentration of reactants causes a faster rate of reaction (particles are closer together, increasing collisions).

How does surface area affect the rate of reaction for solid reactants?

Increasing the surface area of solid reactants increases the rate of reaction (exposes more of the reactants to each other).

What is an inhibitor?

A substance that slows down the rate of reaction.

What are three common types of inhibitors mentioned?

A corrosive inhibitor, an enzyme inhibitor, and a reaction inhibitor.

What is a corrosive inhibitor?

Decreases the rate of oxidation of metal.

What is an enzyme inhibitor?

Binds to an enzyme, lessening its activity.

What is a reaction inhibitor?

Any substance that decreases the rate of a chemical reaction.

What is a catalyst?

A substance that speeds up a reaction by lowering the activation energy.