Which of the following factors does NOT affect the rate of a chemical reaction?

• A. The temperature of the system
• B. The concentration of reactants
• C. The total pressure exerted by an inert gas
• D. The physical state of the reactants

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that the rate of a chemical reaction depends on factors that influence how often and how effectively reactant molecules collide with each other.
2. Step 2: Recognize that temperature affects reaction rate because increasing temperature increases the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions.
3. Step 3: Know that the concentration of reactants affects the rate since higher concentration means more molecules per unit volume, increasing the chance of collisions.
4. Step 4: Understand that the physical state of reactants (solid, liquid, gas) affects how easily molecules can come into contact and react, thus influencing the reaction rate.
5. Step 5: Realize that the total pressure exerted by an inert gas does NOT affect the reaction rate because inert gases do not participate in the reaction and do not change the concentration of reactants.