Collision Theory – Surface Area, Examples and Types

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What Is Collision Theory?

Collision Theory – Surface Area: The collision theory is a model that explains the behavior of particles in terms of their collisions with each other. The theory states that the motion of a particle is determined by the collisions it undergoes. Therefore the theory is based on the assumption that particles are in constant motion and that they collide with each other in a random manner.

Molecular Collisions: Collision Theory

In a collision between two molecules, the energy of the system is distributed among the molecules in different ways. Some of the energy used to overcome the binding energy of the molecules, and the rest distributed among the internal energy of the molecules.

The distribution of energy among the molecules determined by the collision geometry. If two molecules collide head-on, the energy distributed evenly among the molecules. However if two molecules collide at an angle, energy distributed among molecules in way that depends on angle of collision.

Distribution of energy among the molecules determines the motion of the molecules. However if the energy distributed evenly among the molecules, the molecules will move with the same speed. If energy distributed among molecules in way that depends on angle of collision, molecules will move with different speeds.

Collision Theory Explanation

Collision theory of chemical kinetics states that rate of chemical reaction directly proportional to the frequency of collisions between reactant molecules. Therefore higher frequency of collisions, faster reaction will proceed.