Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Collision Theory

Collision theory is the theory of how reactions happen.

When will a reaction happen?

When will a reaction happen?

  • For a reaction between two molecules to happen, they must come into close proximity with each other.
  • For a particular reaction to happen, several conditions must be met:
    • The correct part of the molecules must collide.
    • The molecules must collide with enough energy to react.
Steric factor

Steric factor

  • The steric factor is the fancy name for saying that the location of a collision matters.
  • For example, if you were trying to react the OH bond in ethanol (CH3CH2OH), a collision with the CH3 group wouldn't do anything.
Activation energy

Activation energy

  • The activation energy is the energy needed for a reaction to happen.
    • The activation energy is used to break the bonds in the reactants before new bonds can form in the products.
  • For both reasons of activation energy and steric factor, most collisions do not result in a reaction.
Jump to other topics
1

Physical Chemistry

1.1

Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2

Atomic Structure

1.3

Chemical Bonding

1.4

States of Matter

1.5

Chemical Energetics

1.6

Electrochemistry

1.7

Equilibria

1.8

Partition Coefficient

1.9

Reaction Kinetics

2

Inorganic Chemistry

3

Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2

Hydrocarbons

3.3

Halogen Derivatives

3.4

Hydroxy Compounds

3.5

Carbonyl Compounds

3.6

Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7

Nitrogen Compounds

3.8

Polymerisation

3.9

Analytical Techniques

3.10

Organic Synthesis

Practice questions on Collision Theory

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
Answer all questions on Collision Theory

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium