Collision Theory.

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Collision Theory

The rate of a reaction depends on two factors.

) The number of collision per unit time between the reacting species.

2) The fraction of these collisions that are successful in producing a mew molecule.
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A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy so that more reactant molecules collide with enough energy to surmount the smaller energy barrier.

Solid catalysts have large surface areas and are capable of adsorbing the reactants onto their surfaces. One of the reactants molecules may readily react with the atoms of the catalyst and form an intermediate species. This new intermediate species then reacts readily with the second reactant. The desired product is formed leaving behind the catalyst.