Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 57: Problem 11

Provide two major reasons that all collisions between molecules might not be effective in causing a reaction.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Two major reasons for non-effective collisions are lack of proper orientation and insufficient collision energy.

Step by step solution

01

Reason 1 - Proper Orientation

One of the main reasons why not all collisions between molecules result in a reaction is that the molecules need to have the proper orientation during the collision. The atoms within the reacting molecules need to be aligned in a certain way that allows for new bonds to be formed and old bonds to be broken. If the molecules collide in a manner that disallows this alignment, the collision will not result in a chemical reaction.
02

Reason 2 - Collision Energy

Another key reason is the energy with which the molecules collide. Chemical reactions require a certain amount of energy, known as the activation energy, to occur. This energy is used to break the initial bonds within the reactants. If the colliding molecules do not contain sufficient energy to meet or exceed this activation energy, the reaction will not occur, thus making the collision ineffective in causing a reaction.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The bond between the \(\mathrm{N}\) atom and \(\mathrm{Br}\) atom must be weakened or broken for reaction 2 to proceed upon collision of two ONBr molecules. Note that a violent collision between two ONBr molecules is more likely to weaken or break the bonds than a gentle collision. Based on this idea, explain why there will be more collisions that will be effective in weakening or breaking the \(\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{Br}\) bond at high temperature compared to low temperature.

What is the mathematical relationship between \(E_{\mathrm{a}}(\) forward \(), E_{\mathrm{a}}(\) reverse \()\), and \(\Delta H ?\)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free