Question detail
Why do most collisions between particles not lead to a reaction?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Kinetics
Question
- A. Particles do not collide often enough
- B. Particles lack sufficient energy or proper orientation
- C. The temperature is too low
- D. The concentration of reactants is too high
Answer
Particles lack sufficient energy or proper orientation
Explanation
Most collisions do not lead to a reaction because the colliding particles often do not have enough energy to overcome the activation energy barrier or they are not oriented correctly for a reaction to occur.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Activation Energy
Students often confuse activation energy with the overall energy change of a reaction, thinking it is the energy released or absorbed during the reaction.
Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur, not the energy change. To clarify, remember that activation energy is a barrier that must be overcome for reactants to convert into products.
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