Chapter 16, Problem 52A

Apply collision theory to explain why increasing the concentration of a reactant usually increases the reaction rate.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

This is to be explained that increasing concentration of a reactant usually increases the reaction rate using the collision theory.

Concept introduction:

Reaction rate is the change in the amount of products or reactants per unit time.

$\text{Rate}=\frac{-\text{Change}\text{in}\text{reactants}}{\text{Change}\text{in}\text{time}}$

Answer to Problem 52A

On increasing concentration of reactant, frequency of collisions between reactant increases. Thus increases rate of reaction.

Explanation of Solution

In a chemical reaction surface area, temperature catalyst or inhibitors, reactivity, concentrations of the substance affects rate of reaction. From collision theory between reactant molecules number of collisions is proportional to rate of a chemical reaction. Frequency of collisions between reactant increases on increasing concentration of reactant. Thus increases rate of reaction.

Conclusion

Between reactant molecules number of collisions is proportional to rate of a chemical reaction.