Question

It is often noted that a ten degree increase in temperature roughly doubles the rate of reaction of many chemical reactions. If it takes 20 seconds at 40 degrees celsius, how long would it take at 60 degrees celsius?

Answer 1

Increasing the temperature of a chemical reaction results in the increased rate of reaction as more energy is provided to the system in the form of thermal energy. This results as mentioned in a doubling of rate for every 10 degree inceaseinin temperature. Therefore for a reaction that takes 20 seconds at 40 degrees to complete, by increasing the temperature by 20 degrees, the time taken will roughly be 1/4th the time taken at 40 degrees. Thus the time will be reduced to 10 seconds at 50 degrees and a further 10 degree increase will reduce it to 5 seconds, at 60 degrees.