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POGIL Activity - Collision Theory
POGIL Activity - Collision Theory
Why?
The collision theory states that a chemical reaction can only occur between
particles when they collide (hit each other). The collision between reactant particles
is necessary but not sufficient for a reaction to take place. The collisions also have
to be effective. It is important to understand the exact nature of an effective
collision since this determines whether or not particles actually react with each
other and form new products.
Learning Objectives
Identify the requirements needed for a successful reaction to occur between
reactant particles.
Success Criteria
Explain the meaning of an effective collision.
Explain the requirements needed for a reaction to occur between reactant
particles.
Resources
Judith Gould, Three Strikes Equals a Hit, STANYS Science Teacher Bulletin
(2000).
Zumdahl, Zumdahl and DeCoste. 2002. World of Chemistry. Houghton Mifflin,
pp. 537 - 541
Prerequisites
Chemical reaction nomenclature
Balancing chemical reactions
Lewis structures (electron-dot-diagrams)
New Concepts
Collision theory
Effective collision
Activation energy
Scenario 1: The pitcher throws a fastball down the middle of the plate. The batter takes
a mighty swing and totally misses the ball. The umpire yells, "Strike one!"
Scenario 2: The pitcher throws an off-speed pitch and the batter checks his swing. The
batter just barely makes contact with the ball and it dribbles down in front of the batter’s
feet into foul territory. The umpire yells, "Foul ball; strike two!"
Scenario 3: The pitcher throws a curve ball that looks like it might catch the outside
corner of the plate. The batter swings with all his strength, but the bat grazes the
underside of the ball and the ball skews off to the right, flying into the crowd. The umpire
yells, "Foul ball, still two strikes!"
Scenario 4: The pitcher throws another fastball down the middle of the plate. The batter
swings and wallops the ball high into the air and the ball clears the center field wall that
reads 410 feet. The ump yells, "Homerun!"
Key Questions
1. Did a reaction take place between Reactant A and Reactant B in Scenario
1? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning in terms of the nature of the
collision.
5. Based on your responses to Key Questions 1-4 and your reasoning, what insight
has your team gained about the term effective collision?
Exercise
1. Hydrogen gas and iodine vapor combine to form hydrogen iodide gas, as shown
in the equation H2 + I2 → 2 HI. Using the representations shown below, draw a
diagram to show an orientation for the reactant molecules that could produce an
effective collision capable of producing two hydrogen iodide molecules.
H2 I2 HI