Go to the PhET Reactions & Rates interactive. Use the Single Collision tab to represent how the collision between monatomic oxygen (O) and carbon monoxide (CO) results in the breaking of one bond and the formation of another. Pull back on the red plunger to release the atom and observe the results. Then, click on “Reload Launcher” and change to “Angled shot” to see the difference.

1. What happens when the angle of the collision is changed?
2. Explain how this is relevant to rate of reaction.

In order for a reaction to occur, the particles of the reactant must have enough energy, and must collide at the correct angle.

Collision between monoatomic oxygen and carbon monoxide results in breaking of one bond and the formation of another bond. When angle of the collision is changed the collisions between monoatomic oxygen and carbon monoxide effect in way that the collisions may be increase or decrease resulting in the formation and breaking of bonds. It depends on the angle of collision or proper orientation.

Molecules of reactants must come into contact with each other before reaction. If the angle of collision is changed resulting in the collisions between monoatomic oxygen and carbon monoxide increase, the rate of reaction or formation and breaking of bonds increases.

If angle of collision is changed resulting in the collisions between monoatomic oxygen and carbon monoxide decrease, the rate of reaction or formation and breaking of bonds decreases.