TED-ED: How to speed up chemical reactions (and get a date) - Aaron Sams

The video uses a story about Harriet and Harold's collision to explain chemical reaction rates. It draws parallels between getting a date for a dance and increasing reaction rates, emphasizing the importance of collision orientation and energy. Five methods to speed up reactions are proposed, using school environment analogies. The role of a catalyst is likened to a matchmaker, reducing activation energy for reactions.

What are the two essential characteristics of collisions that can lead to a successful 'date for the dance'?

• Frequent occurrence and low impact

• Correct orientation and sufficient energy

• High speed and large size

• Low energy and random orientation

What was Harriet's mission after her collision story?

• To avoid future collisions

• To help students remember how to speed up chemical reactions

• To write a book about her experience

• To organize more school dances

How does reducing the volume of a reaction vessel affect chemical reactions?

• It slows down the reaction rate

• It decreases the number of collisions

• It has no effect on collisions

• It increases the number of collisions

What is the chemical equivalent of increasing the number of students in a school?

• Increasing the temperature

• Increasing the concentration of reactants

• Decreasing the volume

• Using a catalyst

What role does a catalyst play in a chemical reaction?

• It stops the reaction from occurring

• It decreases the energy required for a reaction

• It increases the energy required for a reaction

• It changes the products of the reaction