What effect does a 10°C increase in temperature typically have on the reaction rate?

A 10°C increase in temperature typically doubles the reaction rate due to its effect on the kinetic energy of the reacting particles. When the temperature rises, the particles gain more energy, leading to an increase in their speed. This heightened energy results in more frequent and energetic collisions between the particles.

Since reaction rates are largely influenced by the frequency and intensity of these collisions, an increase in temperature accelerates the rate at which reactants come together and successfully react. The general rule of thumb in chemistry states that for many reactions, an increase of approximately 10°C can lead to a doubling in the reaction rate. This relationship highlights the sensitivity of chemical reactions to temperature changes and helps in understanding how temperature can be manipulated in various chemical processes to achieve desired outcomes.