Understanding Chemistry

 

RATES OF REACTION MENU

 

Basic descriptive topics

The collision theory . . .

Discusses the collision theory of reaction rates, including the importance of activation energy and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution.

The effect of surface area on rate of reaction . . .

Describes and explains the effect of surface area on the rate of a reaction between a solid and a liquid or a gas.

The effect of concentration on rate of reaction . . .

Describes and explains the effect of changing the concentration on the rate of a reaction involving liquids or gases. If you are interested in rate equations, orders of reaction and rate constants, these are explained separately - see below.

The effect of pressure on rate of reaction . . .

Describes and explains the effect of changing the pressure on the rate of a reaction involving gases.

The effect of temperature on rate of reaction . . .

Describes and explains the effect of changing the temperature on the rate of a reaction, including the importance of activation energy and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. The Arrhenius equation is dealt with separately - see below.

The effect of a catalyst on rate of reaction . . .

Describes and explains the effect of adding a catalyst to a reaction. This is an introductory look only. You will find a separate section dealing with catalysts in detail - link via the physical chemistry menu (see below).



Rate equations and orders of reaction

Orders of reaction and rate equations . . .

An introductory look at orders of reaction, rate equations and the rate constant.

The relationship between order and mechanisms . . .

Looks at some simple cases to show how orders of reaction can sometimes give useful information about the mechanism of a reaction. Also discusses the difference between the sometimes confusing terms "order " and "molecularity " of a reaction.

A look at energy profiles for reactions . . .

Takes a closer look at simple energy profiles for reactions, and shows how they are slightly different for reactions involving an intermediate or just a transition state.

Order of reaction experiments . . .

A survey of some of the methods of finding orders of reaction experimentally.

The Arrhenius equation . . .

Discusses the mathematical relationship between the rate constant and temperature and activation energy.



Go to physical chemistry menu . . .

Go to Main Menu . . .



© Jim Clark 2002 (last modified March 2011)