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

• A. The total pressure exerted by inert gases
• B. The concentration of reactants
• C. The temperature of the system
• D. The presence of a catalyst

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the rate of a chemical reaction depends on factors that influence how often and how effectively reactant molecules collide.
2. Recall that the concentration of reactants affects the reaction rate because higher concentration means more frequent collisions between reactant molecules.
3. Recognize that temperature affects the reaction rate by increasing the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions.
4. Know that the presence of a catalyst affects the reaction rate by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy, speeding up the reaction.
5. Identify that the total pressure exerted by inert gases does NOT affect the reaction rate because inert gases do not participate in the reaction and do not change the concentration of reactants.