Rate of SN2 reaction depending on following different conditions in case of primary halides
I know this question was from awhile ago, but I'll answer anyway.

a) The key to understanding this is the concept of the transition state. Below is an image taken from Khan Academy



For an $\mathrm{S_N2}$ reaction to take place, there must be enough activation energy to reach the transition state. In this type of reaction, the transition state comprises an alpha carbon in a pseudo-$\mathrm{sp^2}$ state. The nucleophile and the leaving group are directly above and below the alpha carbon in this state, with atoms bound to the carbon in a horizontal plane. 

The reason this reaction proceeds more quickly with an unsaturated beta-carbon is the pi-electrons from the unsaturated carbon stabilize the transition state. This lowers the activation energy of the reaction, making it more likely to happen with each molecular collision.

c) I'm assuming you're comparing $\ce{N, O}$ and $\ce{S to C}$. $\ce{N, O,}$ and $\ce{S}$ are more electronegative than carbon, which will impart a more positive-like characteristic on the alpha carbon, making it more susceptible to attack from the nucleophile.