Reaction Rate Factors

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What is a reaction rate?

The reaction rate is the speed at which a chemical reaction occurs, indicating how fast reactants are converted into products.

How does temperature affect reaction rate?

Increasing temperature generally increases reaction rates because it causes particles to move faster, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions.

What is the effect of concentration on reaction rate?

Increasing the concentration of reactants usually increases the reaction rate by raising the frequency of collisions.

How does surface area affect the rate of reaction?

Increasing the surface area of a reactant increases the reaction rate by providing more area for collisions to occur.

What role does a catalyst play in reaction rates?

A catalyst increases reaction rates by lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed.

What is activation energy in the context of reaction rates?

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur when reactants collide.

How does the presence of inhibitors affect reaction rates?

Inhibitors slow down reaction rates by increasing the activation energy or interfering with the reactants.

What is the collision theory?

Collision theory states that chemical reactions occur when particles collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation.

What does the term 'rate law' mean?

Rate law is an equation that links the reaction rate with the concentrations of reactants, showing how changes in concentration affect the rate.

How does pressure affect the rate of reaction in gases?

Increasing pressure increases reaction rates of gaseous reactions by concentrating reactant molecules, leading to more frequent collisions.

What is a reaction mechanism?

A reaction mechanism is a sequence of elementary steps that describe the specific process by which reactants become products.

Do all reactions proceed at the same rate? Why or why not?

No, reaction rates vary due to factors like reactant nature, concentration, temperature, catalysts, and the presence of inhibitors.

Can reaction rates be both fast and slow? Give examples.

Yes, reaction rates can vary greatly. For example, combustion is fast, whereas rust formation is slow.

What is the difference between a homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst?

A homogeneous catalyst is in the same phase as the reactants, while a heterogeneous catalyst is in a different phase.

What does 'reaction order' refer to?

Reaction order is the power to which the concentration of a reactant is raised in the rate law.


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