Question

Explain the effect of a catalyst on the rate of reaction on the basis of collision theory.

Answer 1

Collision theory:

Collision theory explains the conditions that are required for a reaction to proceed successfully. The conditions are:

1. The particles of reacting molecules must collide with each other.
2. The colliding of particles must have enough energy to break the old bonds. This amount of energy possessed by reactant molecules is called activation energy.
3. The particles must have a specific orientation.
4. Thus, the number of collisions is not important but the number of collisions that satisfy these conditions determines the rate of reaction.

Effect of Catalyst:

1. Catalyst: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.
2. A catalyst lowers the activation energy and thus it makes it easier for the reactant molecules to attain effective collisions.