What happens to the number of effective collisions when temperature increases?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Chemistry Exam with quizzes. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Start your exam preparation today!

When temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules also increases. This leads to a greater velocity for the molecules, which means they are moving faster. As a result, there is a higher frequency of collisions between reacting particles.

In addition to the increase in the number of collisions, a rise in temperature also has a significant impact on the energy of those collisions. More particles collide with enough energy to overcome the activation energy barrier required for a reaction to occur. This combination of increased collision frequency and increased energy leads to a rise in the number of effective collisions, which are collisions that result in a chemical reaction.

Thus, the correct choice reflects that an increase in temperature enhances both the rate of collision and the effectiveness of those collisions, ultimately contributing to a greater number of successful interactions at the molecular level.

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