Alevel Chemistry Revision PC 08
Revision Material
Duration: 2nd – 8th March
Topic 8 Reaction kinetics
The investigation of the factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction is important in the study of physical chemistry. The temperature and the addition of a
catalyst can both affect the progression of a chemical reaction.
Learning outcomes
Candidates should be able to:
8.1 Simple rate equations, (a) explain and use the term rate of reaction
orders of reaction and (b) explain qualitatively, in terms of collisions, the effect of concentration changes on the rate of a
the rate constants reaction
8.2 effect of temperature: (a) explain and use the term activation energy, including reference to the Boltzmann distribution
on reaction rates and (b) explain qualitatively, in terms both of the Boltzmann distribution and of collision frequency, the
rate constants and the effect of temperature change on the rate of a reaction
concept of activation
energy
8.3 homogeneous and (a) explain and use the term catalysis
heterogeneous (b) explain that catalysts can be homogeneous or heterogeneous
catalyst including (c)
enzymes 1. explain that, in the presence of a catalyst, a reaction has a different mechanism, i.e. one
of lower activation energy
2. interpret this catalytic effect in terms of the Boltzmann distribution
(d) describe enzymes as biological catalysts (proteins) which may have specificity
Revision Material
Duration: 2nd – 8th March
Topic 8 Reaction kinetics
The investigation of the factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction is important in the study of physical chemistry. The temperature and the addition of a
catalyst can both affect the progression of a chemical reaction.
Learning outcomes
Candidates should be able to:
8.1 Simple rate equations, (a) explain and use the term rate of reaction
orders of reaction and (b) explain qualitatively, in terms of collisions, the effect of concentration changes on the rate of a
the rate constants reaction
8.2 effect of temperature: (a) explain and use the term activation energy, including reference to the Boltzmann distribution
on reaction rates and (b) explain qualitatively, in terms both of the Boltzmann distribution and of collision frequency, the
rate constants and the effect of temperature change on the rate of a reaction
concept of activation
energy
8.3 homogeneous and (a) explain and use the term catalysis
heterogeneous (b) explain that catalysts can be homogeneous or heterogeneous
catalyst including (c)
enzymes 1. explain that, in the presence of a catalyst, a reaction has a different mechanism, i.e. one
of lower activation energy
2. interpret this catalytic effect in terms of the Boltzmann distribution
(d) describe enzymes as biological catalysts (proteins) which may have specificity
