System temperature

The temperature of the system influences the speed of a reaction.

In general, a rise in temperature results in an increase in reaction
rate.
When the temperature of a sample of matter is increased, the
particles that compose it acquire a greater kinetic energy.
Increased displacement leads to more effective collisions and,
consequently, a faster response. The reverse is also true: if we
cool a system, we slow down the movement of particles and the
reaction rate is decreased. This is also the reason why food is
stored in the refrigerator: a cool temperature slows down the rate
of food degradation.
The influence of temperature on reaction rate can be illustrated
using the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve.
The graph below represents the velocity distribution in a gas
sample at two different temperatures. It is observed that an
increase in temperature flattens the distribution curve and shifts it
to the right. The average speed of the particles is then greater at
higher temperatures. Also, more particles have more energy than
the activation energy when the temperature is higher. The reaction
then proceeds more quickly.

The higher the temperature, the greater the number of particles

with the minimum energy to react. Thus, the reaction proceeds
faster (the reaction speed is greater).
It is usually observed that an increase in the temperature of the
reactants of 10°C doubles the rate of a reaction.

The effect of a catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that increases the speed of a reaction

without taking a direct part in it. It lowers the amount of energy
needed to initiate the reaction.
Some substances make it possible to modify the reaction rate
without being part of the reactants or products: they are called
catalysts.
The catalyst is not involved in the reaction; It is found intact at the
end of it. Rather, its role is to lower the activation energy required
for the reaction, allowing more particles to collide effectively and
thus be able to react. The speed of the reaction increases.
The influence of a catalyst on reaction rate can be illustrated using
the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve.
The graph below represents the velocity distribution in a gas
sample in the presence or absence of a catalyst. It can be seen
that the activation energy required for the reaction is decreased in
the presence of a catalyst. Thus, more particles have an energy
greater than the activation energy. The reaction then proceeds
more quickly.

There are substances that have the opposite effect to catalysts:

rather than increasing the speed of a reaction, they decrease it.
These substances work by increasing the activation energy of the
reaction. This can slow down certain processes. These substances,
sometimes called negative catalysts, are inhibitors.

A homogeneous catalyst is a substance that is in the same phase

as the reactants.
A heterogeneous catalyst is a substance that is in a different phase
than the reactants of the reaction it catalyzes.
Catalysts are used for several purposes. The yeast that is added to
bread produces substances that catalyze the emergence of bread.
In the food industry, inhibitors are often used to slow down
chemical reactions that cause food spoilage. Some carnivorous
plants, in order to be able to digest insects, produce substances
that accelerate this digestion. The chemical reactions taking place
in our bodies are dependent on biological catalysts called
enzymes.