Reaction Kinetics

Reaction kinetics is a branch of chemistry that deals with the study of the rate of chemical reactions, the mechanism of reactions, and the factors that affect the rate of reactions.

Rate of Reaction

The rate of reaction is the speed at which reactants are converted into products. It is expressed as the change in concentration of reactants or products per unit time. The rate of reaction can be measured by various methods such as colorimetry, turbidimetry, and conductometry.

Mechanism of Reaction

The mechanism of reaction is the step-by-step process by which reactants are converted into products. It involves the formation of intermediate species and the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. The mechanism of reaction can be elucidated by various techniques such as spectroscopy and computational chemistry.

Factors Affecting the Rate of Reaction

The rate of reaction is affected by various factors such as temperature, concentration, surface area, catalysts, and light. The effect of each factor on the rate of reaction can be explained by the collision theory, which states that for a reaction to occur, the reactant molecules must collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reaction kinetics deals with the study of the rate of reaction, the mechanism of reaction, and the factors that affect the rate of reaction. It is an important branch of chemistry that has applications in various fields such as chemical engineering, materials science, and pharmaceuticals.