Rates of reaction menu

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.