Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Use collision theory to explain that particles must collide with enough energy and the right orientation to react.
• Observe and test how surface area, concentration, and temperature affect the speed of a reaction, and calculate rate as 1/time.
• Interpret an energy profile, define activation energy, and explain how a catalyst and temperature change the fraction of successful collisions.
• Determine reaction orders and a rate law from initial-rate data, and solve first-order half-life problems.

Standards alignment

• HS-PS1-5 NGSS: Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
• HS-PS1-4 NGSS: Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.
• SEP 3, SEP 4 NGSS Science and Engineering Practices: plan and carry out investigations; analyze and interpret data.

Includes

Four stages: a collision simulator, timed experiments on surface area (antacid tablets), concentration (magnesium in acid), and temperature with a particle view of each, energy profiles with catalysts and the energy distribution of molecules, and rate laws with half-life; and a printable lab worksheet. A teacher answer key is available from Logical Home Schooling. Pairs with Heat Lab.

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