Theories of Rxn Rates + Transition State Theory

Collision Theory

A theory stating that in order for a reaction to occur, reactant particles must collide with one another.

Activation Energy (Ea)

The minimum amount of collision energy required for a successful reaction to occur.

Transition State Theory

A theory that describes the changes in kinetic and potential energy when molecules collide during a reaction.

Kinetic Energy

The energy possessed by an object due to its motion, which is crucial for successful collisions between reactant particles.

Potential Energy Diagram

A graph showing the changes in potential energy during a chemical reaction, illustrating the energy transition from reactants to products.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction in which the products have lower potential energy than the reactants, resulting in the release of energy as heat.

Effective Collision

A collision between reacting particles that results in products, requiring correct orientation and sufficient energy.

Surface Area

A factor that influences reaction rate; greater surface area increases the likelihood of collisions occurring.

Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution

A statistical distribution of particles in a gas, showing the range of energies that particles possess.

Activated Complex

An unstable arrangement of atoms that forms momentarily at the transition state during a reaction.