• “Reaction Rates” refers to HOW FAST A REACTION OCCURS

• Factors that Influence Reaction Rates

1. Temperature Examples: o Glow sticks in HOT water glow brighter than

one in cold water o Antacid dissolves faster in HOT water than

cold water

• Factors that Influence Reaction Rates2. Surface Area

Refers to how much of the outside of a substance is exposed to the environment

The greater surface area, the faster the reaction Examples: o Lycopodium Powdero Headache medicine reacts faster in powder form

than solid form (ex. Goodie Powder versus Tylenol Pill)

• Factors that Influence Reaction Rates3. Concentration

Refers to how much of a substance there is The greater concentration of a reactant,

the faster the reaction Example: o Vinegar & Baking Soda in Beaker – more

vinegar produces a faster reaction

• Factors that Influence Reaction Rates4. Presence of a Catalyst

Refers to a substance that speeds up a reaction but is NOT used up by the reaction

The catalyst can be recovered unchanged, and re-used indefinitely

Examples: o Yeast in our “chemiluminescent elephant’s

toothpaste” reactiono Enzymes found in animals that speed up digestion

• Factors that Influence Reaction Rates5. Presence of an Inhibitor

Refers to something that slows down or stops a chemical reaction

Examples: o Why do we cover our left over foods?o Why do we even put food in the fridge?o Why do we use food preservatives like salts?

List 5 ways to make a reaction occur faster (increase the

speed): 1. heat it up (increase temperature)2. cut it up and make a powder (increase surface area)3. add more reactant (increase concentration)4. add a catalyst (ex. enzymes in digestion)5. remove inhibitor (ex. take out of refrigerator, do not add preservatives like salt, lemon juice, “pickling”)

List 5 ways to make a reaction occur faster (decrease the

speed): 1. decrease temperature

2. decrease surface area3. decrease concentration4. add an inhibitor (ex. Cover food and

put in refrigerator; Add preservatives like salt, lemon juice, “pickling”)

5. remove catalyst (ex. do not add yeast to reaction)