On increasing the temperature by 10 K the rate of reaction becomes double. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason?

Options

A. With increase of temperature, velocities increase and hence the number of collisions is appreciably increased.
B. The activation energy decreases with increase of temperature.
C. The bonds between the atoms of the reacting molecules become weak at higher temperature.
D. The higher the temperature, larger is the fraction of colliding particles which can cross the energy barrier.

Answer

D

Explanation

In every chemical reaction, there is an energy barrier that every colliding particle has to pass to get converted into product molecules. At higher temperature, larger fraction of colliding (reactant) particles cross the energy barrier and thus rate of reaction is increased.