Questions on Collision Theory

1. Describe how the collision theory leads to an understanding of the factors governing the rate
of a chemical reaction.
Collision theory explains the determination of factors in which a reactions occur which is the
“colliding of particles”. Thus factors that could increase the frequency of these collisions (kinetic
energy, space, etc) were deduced.
2. Potassium manganate(VII) can oxidize oxalic acid according to the following equation.
2MnO4–(aq) + 5C2H2O4(aq) + 6H+(aq) → 2Mn2+(aq) + 10CO2(g) + 8H2O(l)
This reaction is an example of an autocatalytic reaction where the Mn 2+(aq) product acts a catalyst
for the reaction.
The chemical reaction is quite slow at room temperature so it is usual to heat the reaction mixture
initially but once some products are formed it is no longer necessary to continue heating.
(a) Explain in terms of collision theory why it is necessary to heat the mixture initially.
A reaction occurs when particles collide with sufficient energy. Supplying the reaction with energy
(heat) allows the particles to collide and eventually begin the reaction. This is necessary initially
because the reaction is slow at room temperature due not enough energy being provided.
(b) Explain in terms of collision theory why it is not necessary to continue heating the mixture
once some products have been formed.
As the products act as a catalyst. Catalyst find an alternative activation energy which means the
reaction did not need as much energy as before (without catalyst)
3. (a)

The Maxwell-Boltzmann curve (left) shows the distribution of kinetic energy amongst the particles of
a fixed amount of reactant gas at a particular temperature, T 1 K.
Sketch on the same diagram the distribution curve at a higher temperature, T 2 K, for the same fixed
amount of gaseous reactants when the temperature is increased.
b. In the above distribution curves at T1 and T2 explain why the areas under each curve are
equal.
Because the amount of particles in the reaction do not change
 c. Use the curves above to explain why increasing the temperature increases the rate of
reaction.
As more particles are able to achieve activation energy, there will be more collisions ultimately
leading to a faster rate of reaction.
d. Use the curves above to explain why adding a catalyst increases the rate of reaction.
Adding a catalyst will find an alternative activation energy leading to a lower activation energy.
Based on the curves, if the activation energy were to be lowered, there will a larger area of the graph
that will have the same or more energy as the activation energy (energy needed)
4. In coal mines there is always the danger that trapped methane gas may cause an explosion. This
can cause serious problems on its own but there is the greater risk that it may trigger a coal
explosion which can completely obliterate the mine. Suggest a reason why limestone powder is
often scattered around a coal mine.
The limestone powder absorbs the heat from a coal explosion in order to prevent chain reactions
through the equation CaCO3 + heat -> CaO + CO2.