Collision Theory

The collision theory is what explains how chemical reactions occur. The theory pretty much states that molecules must have enough kinetic energy to react. They must collide in the correct or "appropriate orientation and with sufficient energy to equal or exceed the activation energy.

Activation energy: the minimum amount of energy that particles must have in order to react. "The barrier that reactants must cross to be converted to products.

Activated complex: A "particle" that is an unstable arrangement of atoms that forms momentarily at the peak of the activation energy barrier.

Catalyst (enzyme) : increases the speed of the reaction by lowering the activation energy barrier.

There are two types of chemical reactions, endothermic and exothermic. The graphs for these very well explain the collision theory.

Endothermic reaction: absorbs energy


Exothermic reaction releases energy