6.1: Collision Theory
- Page ID
- 1402
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The collision theory explains that gas-phase chemical reactions occur when molecules collide with sufficient kinetic energy. The collision theory is based on the kinetic theory of gases; therefore only dealing with gas-phase chemical reactions are dealt with. Ideal gas assumptions are applied. Furthermore, we also are assuming:
- All molecules are traveling through space in a straight line.
- All molecules are rigid spheres.
- The reactions concerned are between only two molecules.
- The molecules need to collide.
Ultimately, the collision theory of gases gives the rate constant for bimolecular gas-phase reactions; it is equal to the rate of successful collisions. The rate of successful collisions is proportional to the fraction of successful collisions multiplied by the overall collision frequency.