Which of the following increases reaction rates according to kinetic molecular theory?

Increasing the kinetic energy of reactants is directly related to the rate of chemical reactions according to kinetic molecular theory. This theory posits that chemical reactions occur when particles collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation. As the kinetic energy of the reactant molecules increases—often due to an increase in temperature—molecules move more quickly and collide more frequently with one another. These more energetic collisions enhance the likelihood of overcoming the activation energy barrier necessary for a reaction to proceed, leading to an increased reaction rate.

This principle is fundamental in understanding why temperature is a crucial factor in reaction dynamics. The higher energy state allows molecules to reach the energies required for effective collisions more readily, thus facilitating faster reactions.