Collision Theory of Reactions

The scene will take the form of a particle model where the collision theory will be illustrated. The particle animation will show how particles collide, however, the speed and alignment of the collisions is key to a successful collision between the reactants. Particles must collide with energy and the right alignment.

# Learning objectives

Be able to describe how chemical reactions happen{.info}

Be able to explain chemical reactions using the collision theory model{.info}

# What is a Chemical Reaction?{.objective .objective1}

In this section, an overview of a chemical reaction will be provided. The idea that chemical reactions involve reactants and that atoms involved rearrange to make a product. Students should observe that the atoms are the same, however, they rearrange to make a new substance.

# A Matter of Energy{.objective .objective2}

In this section, a description of collision theory will be provided. Particles must collide with enough energy for bonds between atoms to break so new ones can be formed.

# A Matter of Alignment{.objective .objective3}

In this section, a description of collision geometry will be provided. While reactants need enough energy when they collide, the alignment of the molecules must be right for successful collisions to take place. The right alignment ensures that the atoms face each other correctly so the new bonds form in the right place.

# Teacher Resources

### Download Teacher Notes

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/799775/files/Collision%20Theory+Teacher+Notes+1.pdf?date=1683026158&size=777004&md5=223d9602300452eec9e84b6c7ef45828)

### Student Quiz Answers Document

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/799782/files/Collision%20Theory+Teacher+Notes+2.pdf?date=1683026338&size=459966&md5=f5efd9ebe49646034eafa4b55b6f94a6)

### Download Student Quiz Document

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/799784/files/Collision%20Theory+Teacher+Notes+3.pdf?date=1683026387&size=94658&md5=dff0635b685a37c7803e762d931cd425)