Collision Theory
Why do some collisions cause reactions — and others just bounce?
🏎️ The Bumper Car Arena
Imagine a bumper car arena. Two cars are heading straight for each other. What happens next depends entirely on one thing: how fast they're going.
Slow tap (Low KE)
Cars nudge each other and bounce away. No damage, no spark. Ineffective collision — particles just ricochet.
Full speed (KE ≥ Eₐ)
CRASH! Sparks fly, the cars lock together. Effective collision — a new "molecule" is born!
⚡ The Three Laws of Reaction
Particles MUST collide
No collision = no reaction. Simple as that.
With sufficient Kinetic Energy (≥ Eₐ)
The Activation Energy (Eₐ) is the minimum energy required. Below it, you just bounce.
Correct orientation
(Supplement) Even a fast collision fails if particles hit at the wrong angle — like trying to slot a USB the wrong way.
⚠️ EXAMINER TRAP #1
Never write "more collisions." The examiner wants "more frequent collisions" — i.e., more collisions per unit time. Missing the word "frequent" loses the mark.
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