Chemical Reactions
2-7
Simulation: Collision Theory
Learning Goal:
You will be able to determine how temperature and concentration change the
rate/speed of a reaction.
Procedure:
• Find and start the “Reaction Rates” simulation in the >Public >Science 10A >Simulations folder
Investigation and Analysis:
1. Explore the
tab and complete the table below.
Remember: ONLY A COLLISION between two particles will result in a chemical reaction…
the more collisions, the faster the reaction!
Which variables did you
change?
Record observations
Explain this change
2. (Explore the
tab…)
You have learned that temperature and concentration will change the rate of a reaction.
Complete the table below by comparing your predictions to your observations.
a. Predict what will happen to the rate of the reaction for each variable listed below.
b. Test your prediction with the simulation and record observations.
c. Explain your observations. Were all of your predictions correct? Which tests changed
your thinking about reaction rates? How did the simulation change your prediction?
Variable
Predict
Test
Explain
Increase
temperature
Decrease
temperature
Increase
concentration of the
reactants
Decrease
concentration of the
reactants
3. The program only shows how temperature and concentration affects the speed of reactions.
Suggest how you could improve the program to show “surface area”.
4. Review your observations from questions #1 & 2. On a T-notes activity sheet:
Topic: How Speed and Angle Affect Rates of Reactions
Questions:
1. How does the speed of a collision affect the speed of a reaction? Which factor
(from section 2-6) speeds up a reaction?
2. How does the angle of a collision affect the speed of a reaction?
Summary:
From your experience with this program, explain (30 word minimum) why this phrase
is true: “the more particles involved in the reaction, the slower it will be”. What are 3
things you could do to speed up the reaction?