Rates of Reaction

Factors affecting the rates of reaction:

  • Surface area (smaller particles react faster than larger ones)
  • Concentration
  • Temperature
  • Pressure
  • Catalyst

Catalytic convertor:

Modern cars have a catalytic converter to help reduce the production of toxic gases. This increases the rate of reaction of carbon monoxide and unburnt fuel from exhaust gases with oxygen from the air. The product from this is carbon dioxide and water, which is less harmful to the environment. The catalysts are designed to work best at the high temperatures found in the engine. (BBC Bitesize)

Particles theory:

  • More chances of collisions
  • More frequent collisions
  • More kinetic energy to break the intermolecular attractions between molecules/atoms etc.