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The collision theory says that N2 and H2 will only react when they
collide. The more frequently they collide, the faster the rate of
reaction. Increasing the pressure brings H2 and N2 closer together,
so they collide more often. Increasing the temperature makes
molecules move faster, increasing the frequency of collisions.
300 K
310 K
What is the significance of this for reaction rates?
Eg. the activation enthalpy for a reaction is: Ea is +50 kJ mol-1.
How many collisions have MORE energy than +50 kJ mol-1?
Number of molecules with kinetic energy E
300 K
300 K
310 K
Kinetic energy (E)
Reaction 6: Cl + O3 ClO + O2
(chlorine atoms react with ozone, forming radicals.)
Reaction 7: ClO + O Cl + O2
(The ClO radical then reacts with oxygen atoms.)
do assignment 7, p.69
Chlorine atoms are particularly effective at removing ozone. A
single atom can remove about 1 million ozone molecules.
Add equations 6 and 7 together to produce the equation for the
overall reaction caused by chlorine atoms.
Comment on the result. What role are Cl atoms playing in the
overall reaction?
• (O + O3 O2 + O2 )
• The radicals are regenerated, and so acting as catalysts.
It is important for chemists to know which reaction (6 or 7) is
happening fastest, to understand whether oxygen atoms or
chlorine atoms are responsible for the removal of ozone.