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Controlling chemical reactions - OCR GatewayRates, concentration and pressure

The greater the frequency of successful collisions between reactant particles, the greater the reaction rate. Temperature, concentration, pressure and the use of catalysts affect reaction rate.

Part of Chemistry (Single Science)Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions

Rates, concentration and pressure

The greater the rate or frequency of , the greater the rate of reaction. If the of a reacting or the of a reacting gas is increased:

  • the become more crowded
  • the frequency of collisions between reactant particles increases
  • the rate of reaction increases

Note that the mean of the particles does not change. However, since the frequency of collisions increases, the frequency of successful collisions also increases.

Graphs

The rates of two or more reactions can be compared using a graph of mass or volume of formed against time. The graph shows this for two reactions.

Graph of total mass of product against time from start of reaction, for high and low concentration.
Figure caption,
Comparing reactions of different concentration and pressure

The of the line is equal to the rate of reaction. The faster reaction at the higher concentration or pressure:

  • gives a steeper line
  • finishes sooner