((collision theory))

[HipHopopotamus]

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So, on #78 in the g chem destroyer, it states that the more reactants, the less of a chance for a fruitful collision. However, the c.t. states that the higher the concentration of the reactants, the better the chance for a collision to occur....is this a contradiction, or am I just not putting the pieces together?

 

[au5233]

I had the same exact question. I called Dr. Romano over the weekend but I never heard back from him yet. The only explanation I can come up with is if there is a great number of particles, they may continuously colide with one another and not be able to move with the speed, orientation, and energy they need to have a SUCCESSFUL colision for a chemical reaction to occur.

I don't know if that's the reason behind it though...I stilll need to get a hold of Dr. R. Does anyone else have an explanation?

 

[HipHopopotamus]

Yeah I tried emailing him, no dice. I don't know how to reason this and it's getting to me.

 

[PD3]

the higher the concentration of the reactants, the better the chance for a collision to occur

I think you guys are confusing the concentration of reactants and the number of reactants. Think of it like this. It is a lot easier to schedule a meeting with two people than it is to schedule one with four. It's the same idea. The greater the number of reactants, the less likely they will form a complex together.

 

[HipHopopotamus]

Ah...so simple, just needed some outside perspective, had tunnel vision.