Why Does an Increase in Reaction Temperature Generally Increase the Reaction Rate?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 27, 2020

Temperature increases the reaction rate by increasing the number of collisions and making more forceful collisions. A rise in temperature is an increase of motion and energy, so collisions happen more often and more violently, resulting in product formation.

Raising the temperature of a reaction by 10 degrees C can result in a twofold increase of product. Some substances however, have a maximum temperature at which reaction rate increases. Proteins, for example, begin to denature at higher temperatures, thereby slowing the reaction. Other factors that affect the rate of reaction are the concentration of reactants, what type of medium in which the reaction occurs, and the presence of catalysts or inhibitors.