1 1 .

2 C O L L I S I O N T H E O RY A N D
T R A N S I T I O N S TAT E T H E O RY

C H E M I S T RY U N I T
SK027
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OBJECTIVES:
1.Collision theory.
Explain the requirements for effective collision:
i. minimum energy
ii. Correct orientation
2. Transition state theory
i. Define activation energy of a reaction with
reference to the energy profile diagram.
ii. Define activated complex.
iii. State the characteristics of an activated
complex.
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Collision Theory

o Collision Theory is the theory to explain the rate of

chemical reactions. It is based on;
1- molecule must collide to react
2- molecules must possess a certain minimum
kinetic energy (activation energy) to initiate the
chemical reaction.
3- molecule must collide in the right orientation in
order that the collisions will result in a reaction.

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Collision Theory

o Only effective collisions cause formation of product

that is collisions of molecules with Ea and at correct
orientation.

Rate ∝ Number of effective collisions

time

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Activation Energy
The activation energy (Ea) is the min. kinetic energy that
molecules must posses in order for a chemical reaction to occur.
The Ea is shown on reaction profiles diagrams, illustrate the role
of the Ea as an energy barrier that must be overcome by the
reactants before they can form products.
Exothermic reaction Endothermic reaction
Potential energy

Potential energy
Ea
R Ea P

P ∆H = -ve ∆H = +ve
R

Progress of reaction Progress of reaction

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Activation Energy

A B C A B C

A B C A B C

A B C A B C
Two slow-moving molecules collide Two fast-moving molecules collide
They just bounce off Lead to bond making and bond breaking
Chemically unchanged New product formed.
(ineffective collision) (effective collision)
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Orientation factor/Stearic factor : is how reacting molecules

are oriented relative to each other.

A B A A
B A B B

A B
A A
B A
B B

A B B A B B A A
Collision that cannot produce
chemical change Collision that lead a reaction
(ineffective collision) (Effective collision)
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Transition State Theory

o The transition state theory describes what

happens to the reactant molecules prior to
their change into products.
o An intermediate stage lies between the
reactants and the products is transition state.
o The transitional species with partial bonds is
activated complex.

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A Reaction profile
2NOCl → 2NO + Cl2 ∆H =+ve

NO-Cl + Cl-NO
Ea reverse
Ea forward
[NO---Cl---Cl---NO]
Activated complex
∆H

2NO + Cl2
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A Reaction Profile

CO(g) + NO2(g) → CO2(g) + NO(g) ∆H = -ve

CO + NO2

[CO---O---NO]
Activated complex

CO2 + NO
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Characteristics of an Activated Complex

• Very unstable, It has a short half-life (exists
at the instant the reacting system has the
highest potential energy.
• Its potential energy is greater than reactants
or products.
• In an activated complex, the bonds in the
reactant molecules are in the process of
breaking while the new bonds in the product
molecules are starting to form.
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Characteristics of an Activated Complex

• The activated complex and the reactants are in

chemical equilibrium.
• It decomposes to form products or reactants.

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Example:

1. Define the term activation energy

2. Draw a potential energy diagram for an
endothermic reaction. Indicate on the
drawing
i. the potential energy of reactants
ii. the potential energy of the products
iii. the energies of activation for the
forward and reverse reactions
iv. the heat of reaction.
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Solution:
The activation energy (Ea)
…..is the minimum
energy is required
to initiate the
chemical reaction
and produce the
product. It must be
supplied by
collisions.
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Exercise:

1. For the reaction A + B → C + D

the enthalpy change of the forward reaction is

+ 21 kJ/mol. The activation energy of the
forward reaction is 84 kJ/mol.
a) What is activation energy of the reverse
reaction?
b) Sketch the reaction profile of this reaction

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