Based on the rule of thumb often used for chemical reactions and degradation, that "reaction speed roughly doubles for every 10 °C rise", how does lifetime change when the operating temperature is lowered by 10 °C?

Answer: B. It roughly doubles

If degradation reactions double in speed per 10 °C, lowering the temperature by 10 °C halves the reaction speed and roughly doubles the lifetime. The exact relationship depends on the activation energy, so actual evaluations use models such as Arrhenius. The rule shows why cooling extends lifetime.

• A. Lifetime halves when the temperature is raised by 10 °C.
• B. Correct. Reactions slow and lifetime roughly doubles.
• C. Temperature strongly affects the rate of degradation.