What effect does higher temperature have on molecular collisions?

Higher temperature increases the frequency of molecular collisions due to the increase in kinetic energy of the molecules. As temperature rises, the molecules move faster, which leads to more frequent interactions between them. This increase in motion results in a higher probability of collisions occurring, which is essential for reaction rates in chemical processes.

When molecules collide more frequently at higher temperatures, not only does the number of collisions increase, but the energy of these collisions also tends to increase. More collisions with sufficient energy can lead to a greater number of effective collisions, where reactant molecules have enough energy to overcome the activation energy barrier and form products.

The other options do not accurately describe the relationship between temperature and molecular collisions. A decrease in collision frequency or having no effect contradicts the principles of kinetic molecular theory, which states that temperature increases molecular motion. Additionally, suggesting that higher temperatures cause reactants to collide less effectively overlooks the fact that effective collisions typically increase with the energy and frequency of the collisions.