Measuring Rates of Reaction

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Measuring Rates of Reaction

In this coursework I will be investigating how the rate of reaction changes when certain factors of it are changed. The collision theory will play a big part in all the reactions. The collision theory is based on the kinetic theory and makes a collision between reactants before a reaction can take place. There are four key factors which can affect a chemical reaction, they are;

?Adding a catalyst- this is a substance that speeds up a reaction and is left chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction. The more catalyst that is added, the faster the reaction will take place. It increases the rate by providing an alternative reaction path with a lower activation energy.

?Increasing surface area- having a smaller surface area means that there is less area exposed to be reacted with. Consequently the reaction will go slower. As the surface area increases the rate of reaction should also increase. Dust and grain silo explosions are good examples of surface area reactions.

?Increasing the temperature- the rate of reaction is highest when the temperature is highest. When the temperature is increased, the energy of the particles increases-