Particle Theory/Collision Theory

Particle Theory/Collision Theory

1. Atoms can only react when they touch/collide.

2. Increasing the number of collisions = increases the rate of reaction.

3. Increasing the energy of collisions the collisions will be more successful. This increases the rate.

4. Surface Area

   • Increased surface area = more collisions = rate of reaction increases.

5. Temperature

   • Increased temperature = gives particles energy = particles move faster = harder collision + more collisions = rate of reaction increases.

6. Pressure (Gas Reactions Only)

   • Increase pressure = reduces space between particles = more collisions = rate of reaction increases.

7. Concentration (Solutions/Liquids Only)

   • Increased concentration = more reacting particles = more collisions = increases rate of reactions

8. Catalysts

   • Having a catalyst = reduces the amount of activation energy required = more collisions = rate of reaction increases.