Collision Theory

The theory stated that to react molecule must collide. To be able to collide molecules need a certain
amount of kinetic energy which is called the activation energy. Activation energy is the minimum energy
required to initiate reaction. Molecules must collide in the right orientation in order for the reaction to
occur. Only effective collisions cause the formation of product.

Collision theory is the theory that explains the rate of chemical reactions it is based on,

Number of affective collisions

Rate ∝
time

Figure 1

The activation energy

Figure 2

Importance of orientation 1
Transition state theory

The condition of the atoms of the colliding species at the time of the collisions is called the transition
state. Species formed at transition state is called activated complex.

Characteristics of activated complex

1. Unstable has a very short half-life.

2. Potential energy is greater than reactants of products.
3. The reactants and the activated complex are in chemical equilibrium.
4. Decomposes to produce products or reactants.

A reaction profile shows potential energy plotted

as a function of the progress of the reaction.

The difference in potential energies between the

products and the reactants is -∆H for the
reaction.

Reactant molecules must have enough energy to

overcome an energy barrier separating products
from reactants Eₐ

A Reaction Profile for endothermic processes A reaction profile for exothermic processes
A reaction profile: exothermic reaction and endothermic reaction