Module 5: Chemical Kinetics
Chemical kinetics examines the dynamics of chemical change, focusing on how fast reactions occur and the factors influencing their speed. It encompasses collision theory that explains reaction prerequisites, the mathematical expressions for reaction rates, and the concept of reaction mechanisms with the rate-determining step. The Arrhenius equation further provides insights into how temperature and activation energy impact reaction rates, essential for both theoretical understanding and practical applications in various fields.
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What we have learnt
- Chemical kinetics explores reaction rates, their influencing factors, and the mechanisms behind them.
- Reaction speed is affected by concentration, temperature, surface area, catalysts, and the nature of reactants.
- The rate expression quantitatively relates reaction rates to reactant concentrations and can be derived experimentally.
Key Concepts
- -- Collision Theory
- A framework explaining that for a reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy and the correct orientation.
- -- Activation Energy (Ea)
- The minimum energy required for reactants to undergo a successful reaction upon collision.
- -- Rate Expression
- A mathematical relationship that relates the rate of a chemical reaction to the concentrations of its reactants.
- -- Reaction Mechanism
- A sequence of elementary steps that describe the pathway from reactants to products in a chemical reaction.
- -- Rate Determining Step (RDS)
- The slowest step in a multi-step reaction mechanism, which limits the overall reaction rate.
- -- Arrhenius Equation
- An equation that shows the relationship between the rate constant, activation energy, and temperature.
Additional Learning Materials
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