Collision Theory

Collision theory.

Collision theory states that all matter is made up of particles and for a chemical reaction to occur these particles must collide with each other successfully and undergo a chemical change.

When this happens the particles show a sign of a chemical reaction for example a colour change, energy change or effervescence (bubbling).

Watch the video below for some more information on collision theory.

Only particles with the energy required for the reaction will collide successfully.

By measuring the successful collisions we can measure the rate of a reaction.

The next few pages will look at how changing the particle size, concentration and temperature of reactants changes the rate of a reaction.

Next section: Particle size