Reaction Rates and Equilibrium

Introduction

In this module, you will learn how about kinetics, the study of rates of reactions. You will also learn about the collision theory and reaction rates, and about the different types of catalysts and their effect on activation energy. In addition, you will study equilibrium reactions and how these reactions respond to stresses.

Having a periodic table handy is always helpful in chemistry. You may always use a periodic table on assignments, quizzes, and tests in this course.

Download the periodic table.

You will be required to complete a home lab for this module that requires the following materials:

10 Antacid tablets (such as the alkaseltzer brand)
Film canister or small ziplock bag
Stopwatch

Be sure to secure these materials ahead of time so that you can complete the lab according to schedule.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

Reaction Rates

Equilibrium

Le Chatelier's Principle

Key Terms

Kinetics - The study of the factors that govern how rapidly reactions occur

Collision theory - The rate of a reaction is proportional to the number of collisions that occur each second between the reactants

Effective collision - A collision in which the colliding particles approach each other at the proper angle and with the proper amount of energy.

Catalyst - A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.

Inhibitor - One that inhibits, as a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction.

Enzyme - Any of numerous proteins or conjugated proteins produced by living organisms and functioning as biochemical catalysts

Activation energy - The minimum kinetic energy that must be possessed by the reactants in order to give effective collision (one that produces products)

Potential Energy Diagram - A plot of the change in potential energy that occurs during a chemical reaction

Transition state - The moment during a reaction when the species involved have acquired the minimum amount of potential energy needed for a successful reaction,

Reaction Rate - How quickly the reactants disappear and the products form

Reversible reaction - a reaction in which the equilibrium constant is such that the reaction can be made to proceed at a detectable rate in either direction under appropriate conditions. A reversible reaction is a chemical reaction that results in an equilibrium mixture of reactants and products.

Le Châtelier's principle - When a system that is in dynamic equilibrium is subjected to a disturbance that upsets the equilibrium, the system undergoes a change that counteracts the disturbance and, if possible, restores the equilibrium.

Stress - An applied force or system of forces that tends to shift a reaction.

Endothermic - Characterized by or causing the absorption of heat.

Exothermic - Releasing heat.

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