Reaction rates & Collision Theory

Question 1

What is a negative impact to industry if reaction rate is too slow?

Answer 1

The products wont be produced quick enough which reduces the profit, therefore it is not economically viable

Question 2

What is a negative impact to industry if reaction rate is too fast?

Answer 2

There’s a risk it will cause explosions which is a huge danger risk

Question 3

What are the two requirements that are necessary for a successful collision?

Answer 3

. Correct collision geometry (the reactant molecules must be in the right position when they collide so that the activated complex is formed)
. The particles must have enough energy

Question 4

Why do particles need enough energy for a chemical reaction to occur?

Answer 4

So that they can overcome the repulsive forces caused by the outer electrons and start to break the bonds between the atoms

Question 5

What is the minimum kinetic energy required for a reaction to occur called?

Answer 5

The activation energy (EA)

Question 6

What is the activated complex?

Answer 6

. It’s an unstable arrangement of atoms which is very high in energy which is very high in energy which is formed at the intermediate stage of the reaction from reactants to products
. It only exists for a short period of time, it can lose energy in two ways: to the stable products or to form the reactants again

Question 7

How do you calculate the average rate?

Answer 7

change in quantity over change in time

Question 8

How do you calculate the relative rate?

Answer 8

one over time