Energy, Heat, and Reaction Rates

These flashcards cover key concepts related to energy, heat, reaction rates, and collision theory.

Energy

The capacity to do work or to transfer heat.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion.

Potential Energy

Energy possessed by an object due to its potential for motion.

Heat (q)

The transfer of kinetic energy from the movement of atoms and molecules due to temperature differences.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases heat.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs heat.

Reaction Rate

A measure of how fast a reaction occurs.

Collision Theory

The theory stating that for a reaction to occur, reactant molecules must collide with proper orientation and sufficient energy.

Activation Energy (Ea)

The minimum energy required for a reaction to be initiated.

Activated Complex

A short-lived, unstable, high-energy chemical species that must be formed before products can be created.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of reaction by lowering the activation energy and is not permanently altered during the reaction.

Free Energy Change (ΔG)

The overall difference in energy between reactants and products; negative if spontaneous (often exothermic) and positive if non-spontaneous (often endothermic).