Question

Give a detailed account of the collision theory of reaction rates of bimolecular gaseous reactions.

Answer 1

Collision theory of reaction rates of bimolecular gaseous reactions-

• This theory was proposed by Arrhenius and developed by Max Trautz and William Lewis to explain the rates of gaseous reactions.
  
• It is based on the kinetic theory of gases.
  
• According to this theory, the reactant molecules are assumed to be hard spheres.
  
• Collisions must take place between reactants (molecules) to occur a reaction.
  
• Collisions are possible if $2$ or more molecules are present.
  
• The minimum energy must be possessed by the reactant molecules to give products is called threshold energy $\left(E_T\right)$.
  
• Molecules having other than threshold energy are called "normal molecules".
  
• Collisions between normal molecules are called "normal collisions", which do not lead the chemical reaction, hence products are not formed.
  
• In addition to the normal molecules, the molecules must aquire some extra amount of energy, called "activation energy" $\left(E_a\right)$.
  

$E_a=E_T-E_R$