For a reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy (≥ activation energy, Ea) and correct orientation.
Rate of Reaction
\( \text{Rate} = \frac{\Delta[\text{concentration}]}{\Delta t} \)
Units: mol dm⁻³ s⁻¹. Rate is always positive.
Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution
At higher temperature, the distribution shifts right and flattens - more particles have E ≥ Ea.
Think About It
The total area under both curves is the same. Why?
Because the total number of particles has not changed - only the distribution of their energies. The curve flattens and shifts right, but the area (total particles) remains constant.
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