This document discusses chemical kinetics and the factors that affect reaction rates. It introduces the Arrhenius equation, which relates the rate constant k to temperature, activation energy Ea, and other parameters. Raising the temperature increases the reaction rate by providing more energy to molecules during collisions. Catalysts also increase the reaction rate by lowering the activation energy barrier, changing the reaction mechanism to require less energy. The activation energy is the minimum energy required for molecules to react during collisions. Graphing the Arrhenius equation can determine a reaction's activation energy from experimental data. Catalysts increase the reaction rate without being used up in the reaction or changing its thermodynamics.