Factors Affecting the Rate of Reaction

7.2  Factors Affecting the Rate of Reaction

 

Explanation

Size of the reactant
  • Affect the rate of reaction of the reactants that are in solid form.
  • The smaller the size of the reactant, the larger the exposed total surface area, thus the rate of reaction is higher.

 

\(\text{Area of surfaces}\\ = \text{4 cm} \times \text{4 cm} \times 6\\ = \text{96 cm}^2\)
\(\text{Area of surfaces}\\ = \text{2 cm} \times \text{2 cm} \times 6 \times 8\\ = \text{192 cm}^2\)
The concentration of the reactant
  • Affect the rate of reaction of the reactants that are in the solution or liquid form.
  • The higher the concentration of the solution, the higher the number of particles per unit volume, the higher the rate of reaction.
Temperature of reaction
  • The higher the temperature of the reaction, the higher the kinetic energy of the particles.
  • This causes the particles to move faster, thus the rate of reaction increases.
  • Related to collision theory
Catalyst
  • Catalyst is a substance that can change the rate of a chemical reaction.
  • Characteristics of a catalyst;
    • Remains unchanged chemically or quantitatively.
    • Does not change the amount of product.
    • Only a small amount is needed.
    • Can increase the rate of reaction.
    • The action of the catalyst is specific.
Pressure
  • Affect the rate of reaction of the reactants that are in the gas state.
  • The increasing pressure makes the gas denser.
  • The higher the pressure, the higher the rate of reaction.

 

Application of factors affecting the rate of reaction

Factors affecting

Explanation

Size of the reactant

Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces before cooking.

 

The concentration of the reactant

 

Temperature of reaction

Melting sugar in a hot water

Catalyst

The use of vanadium(V) oxide in the Contact process

Pressure

Cooking meat in a pressure cooker