# Explain why increasing the pressure of gaseous reactants increases the rate of reaction.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 7.1 Rates of reaction · Explain · 4 marks

> In the industrial manufacture of ammonia, nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas are reacted together at high pressure. A student suggests that increasing the pressure of the gaseous reactants will increase the rate of this reaction.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Increasing pressure means the gas particles are closer together
2. Particles collide more often / collision frequency increases
3. There is a higher rate of successful collisions
4. Therefore the rate of reaction increases

## Key terms

- [pressure](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pressure)
- [rate of reaction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/rate-of-reaction)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](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)

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