How does temperature affect the rate of reaction?

Temperature significantly influences the rate of a chemical reaction. As temperature rises, particles gain kinetic energy, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions between reactant molecules. This increased collision frequency and energy result in a higher likelihood of successful collisions, promoting reaction progression. Additionally, elevated temperatures often provide reactant molecules with the activation energy needed to overcome the energy barrier for the reaction to occur. Consequently, the reaction rate generally increases with temperature following the Arrhenius equation. However, extreme temperatures can denature proteins or alter reaction mechanisms. Thus, understanding and controlling temperature is crucial for optimizing reaction rates in various chemical processes.