The relationship between temperature and reaction rates is described by the general principle that, as temperature increases, the rate of chemical reactions tends to increase as well. Higher temperatures provide reactant molecules with greater kinetic energy, which enhances collision frequency and energy among them. This means molecules are more likely to overcome the activation energy barrier required for a reaction to occur. However, this relationship is not linear and can vary depending on the specific reaction involved. Understanding this relationship is crucial in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, and industrial processes for optimizing reactions.