Which of the following is a way to increase the rate of a chemical reaction?

• A. Increasing the concentration of reactants
• B. Decreasing the surface area of a solid reactant
• C. Removing a catalyst
• D. Lowering the temperature

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the rate of a chemical reaction depends on factors that affect how often and how effectively reactant particles collide.
2. Recall that increasing the concentration of reactants increases the number of particles in a given volume, leading to more frequent collisions and thus a higher reaction rate.
3. Recognize that decreasing the surface area of a solid reactant reduces the area available for collisions, which typically decreases the reaction rate.
4. Know that removing a catalyst eliminates the substance that lowers the activation energy, thereby slowing down the reaction.
5. Remember that lowering the temperature decreases the kinetic energy of particles, reducing collision frequency and energy, which slows the reaction rate.