Rate of reactions & Nanoparticles

Question 1

What is activation energy?

Answer 1

The minimum amount of energy particles needs to collide with for a chemical reaction to take place

Question 2

Name some ways to increase the rate of reaction

Answer 2

1. Increasing temperature: Particles will gain kinetic energy, resulting in a higher collision rate and more collision energy
2. Increasing surface area: More reactants are exposed to each other, resulting in more collisions, increasing the rate of reaction
3. Increasing reactant’s concentration: As more particles are packed into a space, the rate of reaction increases as more particles collide
4. Adding a Catalyst: Catalysts reduce the activation energy and speed up reactions themselves without getting used up.

Question 3

Name 3 uses of Nanoparticles

Answer 3

1. As sunscreen: Absorbs light, transparent and better at protecting the skin
2. As a Catalyst: Can catalyse reactions efficiently and easily, produce different products
3. As self-cleaning windows: Coats the layers of the Window to prevent dust and dirt sticking onto it

Question 4

Name 3 risks of nanoparticles

Answer 4

• Being inhaled
• Catalysing harmful reactions
• Binding with toxic substances before entering the body