Reaction Rates Flashcards
What is required for a reaction to take place?
The particles must collide in the right direction (face each other the right way).
They collide with at least a certain minimum amount of kinetic energy.
What is the activation energy?
This is the minimum amount of kinetic energy particles need to react.
How can you give particles extra energy?
By heating them.
Do molecules all have the same amount of energy?
No
What goes on the y axis of a Boltzmann Distribution?
Number of molecules.
What goes on the x axis of a Boltzmann Distribution?
Kinetic energy.
What will happen to a Boltzmann Distribution diagram if the temperature is increased?
The peak will be lower and will shift to the right. More molecules will have the activation energy.
What will happen to a Boltzmann distribution diagram if a catalyst is used?
More molecules exceed the new, lower activation energy.
What happens if you increase the concentration?
The particles will be closer together so there will be more frequent collisions, meaning more chances to react. This means that the rate of reaction will be faster.
What will happen if you increase the pressure?
The rate of reaction will increase for the same reasons as increasing concentration.
What is the role of a catalyst?
The catalyst provides an alternative reaction route with a lower activation energy so the reaction will be faster.
