# Explain how increasing the temperature of a reaction increases the rate of reaction. In your answer, refer to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and the activation energy.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 9.1 Rates and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution · Explain · 5 marks

> A student notices that a reaction between two solutions proceeds much faster when carried out at 50 °C than at 20 °C. The activation energy of the reaction is relatively high.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution shows the spread of energies (or speeds) of particles in a sample
2. At higher temperature, particles move faster / have more (kinetic) energy
3. The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve shifts to the right / the peak moves to higher energy at higher temperature
4. A greater proportion / more particles have energy equal to or greater than the activation energy
5. Therefore there are more successful / effective collisions per unit time, so the rate of reaction increases

## Key terms

- [Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/maxwell-boltzmann-distribution)
- [activation energy](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/activation-energy)
- [rate of reaction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/rate-of-reaction)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-increasing-the-temperature-of-f6cfce56) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.