Reaction Rates

Front

What is activation energy (Ea)?

Back

The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Front

What is the effect of increasing surface area on reaction rates?

Back

Increasing surface area allows more particles to collide, thus increasing the reaction rate.

Front

What is the collision theory?

Back

A theory that states that for a reaction to occur, reactant particles must collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation.

Front

How does temperature affect reaction rates?

Back

Increasing temperature generally increases reaction rates because particles move faster and collide more often.

Front

What is the rate equation for a reaction?

Back

An equation that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentration of reactants, often in the form Rate = k[A]^m[B]^n.

Front

What does the order of a reaction indicate?

Back

The order of a reaction indicates the power to which the concentration of a reactant is raised in the rate equation.

Front

What is an activated complex?

Back

A temporary, unstable arrangement of atoms that occurs during the transition from reactants to products.

Front

What is the relationship between reaction rate and concentration?

Back

Generally, increasing the concentration of reactants increases the reaction rate.

Front

What is the significance of the rate constant (k)?

Back

The rate constant is a proportionality factor that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentrations of reactants.

Front

What happens to the activation energy in an exothermic reaction?

Back

In an exothermic reaction, the activation energy is the energy needed to reach the activated complex, after which energy is released.