Collision Theory and Reaction

Rate
Notes
 Rates of Chemical Reactions
• The amount of time it takes for a chemical
reaction to come to completion is called
the reaction rate
• Reaction rates are different for different
reactions
– They can range from a fraction of a second to
days or even years
 Why do different reactions have
different rates?
• The rates of reaction are related to the
properties of particles through a model
called collision theory
• Particles will only react if there is an
effective or successful collision between
them
In order for particles to react,
1. They must collide
2. They must collide in the correct orientation to
form the activated complex
• The activated complex is a temporary,
unstable arrangement of atoms that may
lead to products
– It can be thought of as a transition state
between reactants and products
3. They must collide with a specific minimum
amount of energy (activation energy) to
form the activated complex
Collision theory and rate of reaction
• The rate of a reaction can be increased by
changing certain factors in a reaction like
temperature or concentration of reactants
• These factors will increase the reaction
rate if they produce a greater number of
effective collisions
• A greater number of effective collisions
can be achieved by anything that
– Increases the energy of the reactants
– Lowers the activation energy
– Produces more collisions per unit of time