Under which scenario will a chemical reaction likely occur at the fastest rate?

• A. Low temperature, high concentration of reactants, and presence of a catalyst
• B. High temperature, low concentration of reactants, and absence of a catalyst
• C. High temperature, high concentration of reactants, and presence of a catalyst
• D. Low temperature, low concentration of reactants, and absence of a catalyst

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the rate of a chemical reaction depends on factors such as temperature, concentration of reactants, and the presence of a catalyst.
2. Recall that increasing the temperature generally increases the reaction rate because particles have more kinetic energy, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions.
3. Recognize that a higher concentration of reactants increases the likelihood of collisions between reactant molecules, thus speeding up the reaction.
4. Know that a catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, which increases the reaction rate without being consumed.
5. Combine these concepts to conclude that the fastest reaction rate occurs when temperature and reactant concentration are high and a catalyst is present.