Factors Affecting Chemical Reaction Rate

Study Notes

Factors Affecting Chemical Reaction Rate

Concentration

Increasing the concentration of reactants increases the reaction rate
More reactant molecules are available for collision, resulting in a higher probability of successful collisions

Temperature

Increasing the temperature increases the reaction rate
Higher temperatures provide more energy for reactant molecules, increasing the frequency and success of collisions

Surface Area

Increasing the surface area of reactants increases the reaction rate
More reactant molecules are exposed, increasing the probability of successful collisions

Catalysts

Catalysts increase the reaction rate without being consumed by the reaction
Catalysts lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur

Pressure

Increasing the pressure increases the reaction rate (for gases)
Higher pressure forces reactant molecules closer together, increasing the frequency of collisions

Collision Theory

Chemical reactions occur when reactant molecules collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation
The frequency and success of collisions determine the reaction rate

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required for a reaction to occur
Reactions with higher activation energy have slower reaction rates

Rate-Determining Step

The slowest step in a reaction mechanism determines the overall reaction rate
Catalysts can target the rate-determining step to increase the reaction rate

Reaction Rate Expressions

Mathematical expressions that describe the reaction rate in terms of reactant concentrations and rate constants
Used to predict and analyze reaction rates under different conditions

Factors Affecting Chemical Reaction Rate

Increasing reactant concentration increases reaction rate because more molecules are available for collision, resulting in a higher probability of successful collisions
Temperature increase boosts reaction rate as higher temperatures provide more energy for reactant molecules, increasing the frequency and success of collisions
Larger surface area of reactants increases reaction rate because more reactant molecules are exposed, increasing the probability of successful collisions
Catalysts increase reaction rate without being consumed by the reaction, and lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur
Pressure increase (for gases) boosts reaction rate as higher pressure forces reactant molecules closer together, increasing the frequency of collisions

Collision Theory

Chemical reactions occur when reactant molecules collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation
Reaction rate is determined by the frequency and success of collisions between reactant molecules

Activation Energy

Minimum energy required for a reaction to occur, and reactions with higher activation energy have slower reaction rates
Activation energy can be lowered by catalysts to increase reaction rate

Rate-Determining Step

The slowest step in a reaction mechanism determines the overall reaction rate, and catalysts can target this step to increase reaction rate
Rate-determining step is the slowest point in a reaction, and understanding it is crucial to optimizing reaction rates

Reaction Rate Expressions

Mathematical expressions that describe reaction rate in terms of reactant concentrations and rate constants
Used to predict and analyze reaction rates under different conditions, and to optimize reaction rates for desired outcomes

Description

Explore the factors that influence the rate of chemical reactions, including concentration, temperature, and surface area. Learn how these factors impact the frequency and success of molecular collisions.