How Each Factor Links to Collision Theory

⚙️ How Each Factor Links to Collision Theory

Every factor that affects rate must be explained using collision theory. Here is the precise mechanism for each one:

• Temperature: Higher temperature → particles have more kinetic energy → move faster → collide more frequently AND a greater proportion of particles now have energy ≥ Ea → more successful collisions per second → faster rate.
• Concentration (or pressure for gases): More particles in the same volume → particles are closer together → collisions are more frequent → more successful collisions per second → faster rate. (Energy of particles does not change.)
• Surface area: Breaking a solid into smaller pieces exposes more particles at the surface → more particles are available to collide with the other reactant → more collisions and more successful collisions per second → faster rate. (Energy and concentration don't change.)
• Catalyst: Provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy → a greater proportion of the existing collisions now have energy ≥ the new, lower Ea → more successful collisions per second → faster rate. Crucially, a catalyst is not consumed — it can catalyse the reaction again and again.