U3-1-3 - Energy Distribution Flashcards
Part of the Controlling the Rate topic from Unit 3 of Higher Chemistry, Chemistry in Society
Temperature is a measure of the ______ of the particles in a substance.
average kinetic energy
For colliding particles to react, the collision energy must be …
equal to, or greater than, the activation energy.
What will happen to the energy distribution if temperature is increased?
Distribution shifts to the right (higher energy values).
Notice the curve still starts at the origin but is lower.
What will happen to the energy distribution if a catalyst is added?
Curve stays the same, but activation energy is lower.
Why does an increase in temperature increase reaction rate?
More particles with energy greater than the activation energy.
Pink shaded area = additional successful collisions
What will happen to the energy distribution if temperature is decreased?
Distribution shifts to the left (lower energy values).
Notice the curve still starts at the origin but is taller.
