The same reaction takes place at a different rate under altering the conditions. Given below are the factors that decide the rate of a chemical reaction:
(a) Nature of a reactant – the nature of the metal influences the rate of reaction. For example, Aluminium is more reactive than zinc.
(b) Size of the particles of the reactants- the rate of a reaction is dependent upon the size of the particles of the reactants participating in the reaction. That is, if the reactant particles are of smaller size, then the rate of the reaction will be higher.
(c) Concentration of the reactants- rate of reaction is proportional to the concentration of reactants. That is concentrated acid reacts faster than dilute acid.
(d) The temperature of the reaction- rate of the reaction increases with increase in temperature
(e) Catalyst- some reactions require a catalyst to speed up the reaction