This exam tips covers Exam Tips: Rates of Reaction within Rates & Collision Theory for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Rates & Collision Theory in Rates of Reaction for GCSE Chemistry with 25 exam-style questions and 16 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 12 of 14 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.

💡 Exam Tips: Rates of Reaction

🎯 Common Question Types:

Explain why rate increases when temperature rises (3 marks)
Describe what a rate graph shows (2 marks)
Calculate rate from a graph tangent (2 marks)
Describe the required practical method (4 marks)

📝 Key Command Words:

Explain: Give the collision theory mechanism — say "successful collisions"
Describe: State what the graph shows — gradient, final value
Calculate: Use Rate = change ÷ time, show units

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Saying "particles have more energy" without specifying kinetic energy
Forgetting to mention "successful collisions" in explain questions
Confusing rate (speed of reaction) with amount of product

Quick Check: What two conditions must be met for a collision to be successful?

Quick Check: On a rate graph, what does the steepness of the curve represent, and what does the horizontal plateau represent?

Quick Check: A reaction produces 24 cm³ of gas in 60 seconds. Calculate the rate of reaction.

Practice questions for Rates & Collision Theory

According to collision theory, which of the following must happen for a chemical reaction to take place?

A. Particles must dissolve in water
B. Particles must collide with sufficient energy
C. Particles must be heated to 100 degrees C
D. Particles must be in the liquid state

1 markfoundation

Explain, using collision theory, why increasing the concentration of a reactant solution increases the rate of reaction.

2 marksstandard

Exam Tips: Rates of Reaction