Question

Why is a collision between molecules usually necessary for a reaction to take place?

• A. Because PV=nRT
• B. Atoms must collide and contact each other for bonds to break and new bonds to form.
• C. Atoms need to be in proximity to each other.
• D. It provides the kinetic energy needed to break the necessary bonds so that new bonds can be formed.
• E. So that the temperature of the reaction increases.

Answer 1

The correct option is D It provides the kinetic energy needed to break the necessary bonds so that new bonds can be formed.

In order for a chemical reaction to take place, the reactants must collide. The collision between the molecules in a chemical reaction provides the kinetic energy needed to break the necessary bonds so that new bonds can be formed.

Sometimes, even if there is a collision, not enough kinetic energy is available to be transferred — the molecules aren’t moving fast enough. You can help the situation somewhat by heating the mixture of reactants. The temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules; raising the temperature increases the kinetic energy available to break bonds during collisions.