Which statement best describes the general relationship between temperature and reaction rate?

• A. As temperature increases, the reaction rate generally increases.
• B. Temperature has no effect on the reaction rate.
• C. As temperature increases, the reaction rate generally decreases.
• D. As temperature increases, the reaction rate remains constant.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that reaction rate refers to how fast reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction.
2. Recall the collision theory, which states that for a reaction to occur, reactant particles must collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation.
3. Recognize that increasing temperature increases the kinetic energy of particles, causing them to move faster and collide more frequently and with greater energy.
4. Know that a higher temperature means more particles have enough energy to overcome the activation energy barrier, leading to an increased reaction rate.
5. Conclude that generally, as temperature increases, the reaction rate increases due to more effective collisions between reactant molecules.