Which conditions will increase the rate of a chemical reaction? (1) decreased temperature and decreased concentration of reactants (2) decreased temperature and increased concentration of reactants (3) increased temperature and decreased concentration of reactants (4) increased temperature and increased concentration of reactants

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify which conditions will increase the rate of a chemical reaction from the given options.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

Consider how temperature and concentration of reactants affect the rate of a chemical reaction:

• Temperature: Increasing temperature generally increases reaction rates because it provides more energy to the reactants, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions.
• Concentration: Increasing the concentration of reactants typically increases the reaction rate as it results in more frequent collisions between reactant molecules.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

• Increased Temperature: Leads to higher kinetic energy and more effective collisions.
• Increased Concentration: Results in more reactant particles in a given volume, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

Analyze each option:

1. Decreased temperature and decreased concentration: Both factors decrease the reaction rate.
2. Decreased temperature and increased concentration: Increased concentration might increase the rate, but decreased temperature will likely have a stronger negative effect.
3. Increased temperature and decreased concentration: Increased temperature will increase the rate, but decreased concentration will have a negative effect.
4. Increased temperature and increased concentration: Both factors increase the reaction rate.

Final Answer

The conditions that will increase the rate of a chemical reaction are:
(4) increased temperature and increased concentration of reactants.