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Collision theory is a scientific theory explaining the factors determining reaction rates of atoms, molecules, and chemical compounds. The theory states molecules need to meet three specific physical conditions for a reaction to occur, these conditions are:
- A collision with another molecule must occur.
- The collision must contribute sufficient energy for a reaction to take place, this is energy is referred to as 'activation energy'.
- The molecules must be in the proper orientation for a reaction to be possible.
Introduction to collision theory.
Collision theory was proposed by Max Truatz in 1916, and further developed by William Lewis in 1918. Truatz and Lewis's work on collision theory is explained by the following equation:
Zab represents how many times molecules are colliding with in each other in a specific amount of time, and can be described as the collision frequency. There are two primary factors affecting Zab (collision frequency) which contribute to the value of F These factors are collision energy and the orientation of colliding molecules.
