Question

Which of the following is the best way to speed up a chemical reaction?

• A. Make an effort to concentrate the reactants as best as possible
• B. Add a catalyst
• C. Cool the reaction down
• D. Increase the pressure on the system

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Add a catalyst

5 ways to increase the reaction rate:

1. The nature of the reactants: A reaction between two gases would be faster than a reaction between to liquids or two solids.

2. Temperature: The heat causes the particles to move quickly, and due to the Collision Theory, the reaction will occur faster.

3. Concentration: The higher the concentration of a reactant, the quicker the reaction will occur.

4. Surface Area: The more the particles are exposed, the faster it is for the other reactant to collide into the particles, meaning the reaction rate will increase.

5. Catalysts: Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of reaction by speeding up the reaction without being used up in the reaction.

Adding catalyst can most effectively speed up the chemical reaction.