Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium

Rate of Reaction

GOB Chemistry

7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium

Rate of Reaction

Previous problemNext problem

1:05 minutes

Problem 44

Textbook Question

Why does increasing concentration generally increase the rate of a reaction?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of reaction rate: The rate of a chemical reaction refers to how quickly reactants are converted into products. It depends on the frequency and energy of collisions between reactant molecules.

Recall the collision theory: According to collision theory, for a reaction to occur, reactant molecules must collide with sufficient energy (activation energy) and proper orientation.

Relate concentration to collision frequency: Increasing the concentration of reactants means there are more molecules or ions in a given volume. This increases the likelihood of collisions between reactant particles.

Explain the effect on reaction rate: With more frequent collisions, the number of successful collisions (those with sufficient energy and correct orientation) also increases, leading to a faster reaction rate.

Summarize the relationship: In general, a higher concentration of reactants results in a higher reaction rate because it increases the probability of effective collisions as described by the collision theory.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Collision Theory

Collision theory posits that for a reaction to occur, reactant particles must collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation. Increasing the concentration of reactants raises the number of particles in a given volume, leading to more frequent collisions. This increased frequency enhances the likelihood of effective collisions, thereby accelerating the reaction rate.

Reaction Rate

The reaction rate refers to the speed at which reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction. It is influenced by several factors, including concentration, temperature, and the presence of catalysts. Higher concentrations typically result in a higher reaction rate due to the increased number of reactant molecules available to participate in the reaction.

Equilibrium Shift

In reversible reactions, increasing the concentration of reactants can shift the equilibrium position according to Le Chatelier's principle. This shift favors the formation of products, thus increasing the rate at which products are formed. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting how changes in concentration affect the dynamics of a chemical reaction.

Watch next

Master Rate of Reaction Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning