Rates of Reaction and Collision Theory

Vocabulary flashcards covering the rate of reaction, factors affecting reaction rates, catalysts, activation energy, and collision theory.

Rate of reaction

How quickly reactants are changed into products.

Factors affecting reaction rate

Temperature, concentration, surface area, and catalysts.

Effect of temperature on reaction rate

Increasing temperature gives particles more kinetic energy, so they move faster and collide more often, and more particles have enough energy to react.

Effect of concentration on reaction rate

Increasing concentration means there are more particles in the same volume, causing more frequent collisions and increasing the rate.

Effect of surface area on reaction rate

Increasing surface area, such as using powder instead of large pieces, gives particles more opportunities to collide, making the reaction faster.

Catalyst

Increases the rate of a reaction without being used up because it provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.

Activation energy

The minimum energy particles need for a successful reaction.

Collision theory

States that particles must collide with enough energy and in the correct orientation for a reaction to occur.