Question

An increase in temperature increases the number of molecules having energy ______ threshold energy.
1. more than
2. less than
3. equal to
4. none of the above

Choose the correct answer.

Answer 1

Because all particles are moving faster, there will be more frequent collisions, and thus an increase in rate.

Since all of the particles have more energy, more particles will meet the minimum energy threshold (or activation energy) required for a successful collision.

T1 represents the energy distribution at the lower temperature; T2 is the distribution at the higher temperature. The threshold energy is unchanged, but for the new curve (T2) more particles will be above the threshold energy, and thus will have successful reactions.