Collision Theory
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 6.1.4
Collision Theory
Collision theory explains how reactions happen and why they happen at different rates.
Particle collisions
- Particles must collide for chemical reactions to happen.
- Importantly, these collisions must happen with enough energy.
- This minimum amount of energy is known as the activation energy.
Rate of reaction
- We can increase the rate of a reaction by increasing the frequency (number) of collisions and/or the energy of reactant particles.
- This can be achieved by changing lots of different factors.
Test yourself on Collision Theory
What happens when particles collide with less energy than the activation energy?
What does collision theory say the minimum requirements are for a reaction to happen?
According to collision theory, how can we increase the rate of a reaction?
According to collision theory, why might two reactions take place at different rates?
Two reactant particles have energy above the activation energy but do not collide with each other. According to collision theory, what will happen?