Unit 3 : Controlling the rate - KINETIC ENERGY DISTRIBUTION

Question 1

Temperature

Answer 1

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.

Question 2

Activation energy

Answer 2

The activation energy is the minimum kinetic energy required by colliding particles before a reaction will occur.

Question 3

Explain the effect of changing temperature on the kinetic energy of the particles

Answer 3

An increase in temperature increases the number of particles with energy greater than the activation energy.

Increase in temperature moves the curve to the right

Decrease in temperature moves the curve to the left.

Question 4

The effect of adding a catalyst to kinetic energy

Answer 4

Catalysts lower the activation energy for a reaction. Easier for the activated complex to form as minimum energy required to form activated complex is reduced by adding a catalyst.