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10 Dec 2025

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Understanding Rates of Reaction - Key Concepts for Chemistry

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Ruby @_fipd

Chemical reactions are happening all around us, from rusting metal to baking a cake. Understanding how fast these... Show more

2
e
a chemical reaction. can
e colour change eg blue -> Red.
energy change eg rise or fall in temperature.
gas is being given off.
Solid
for

Recognising Chemical Reactions

You can spot a chemical reaction by looking for telltale signs that something new is being created. Watch for colour changes (like blue turning red), temperature shifts, bubbles of gas forming, or solids appearing out of nowhere.

The magic happens when reactants (your starting materials) transform into completely new substances called products. Think of it like this magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide. You're literally creating something that didn't exist before.

Exothermic reactions release energy and warm up their surroundings - like striking a match. Endothermic reactions do the opposite, absorbing energy and cooling things down - like an ice pack when you squeeze it.

The rate of reaction simply measures how quickly this transformation happens. Some reactions are lightning fast (like explosions), whilst others crawl along slowly (like rusting).

Key insight There are four main ways to speed up any chemical reaction, and mastering these gives you control over chemistry itself.

Particle Size Effects

When you make particles smaller, reactions speed up dramatically. It's all about surface area - imagine trying to dissolve a whole sugar cube versus granulated sugar in your tea.

Smaller particles expose more surface area to other reactants, creating more opportunities for chemical collisions. More collisions mean faster reactions - it's that simple.

2
e
a chemical reaction. can
e colour change eg blue -> Red.
energy change eg rise or fall in temperature.
gas is being given off.
Solid
for

Concentration and Temperature Effects

Increasing concentration is like adding more players to a football match - with more reactant particles crowded into the same space, collisions happen more frequently. More collisions equal faster reactions.

Temperature changes are equally powerful. Heat up the reactants and particles gain energy, moving faster and colliding more often. It's like turning up the intensity in a game - everything happens quicker and with more force.

Think of temperature as the energy boost that makes particles more likely to actually react when they bump into each other, rather than just bouncing off.

Remember Higher temperature = more energetic particles = more successful collisions = faster reactions.

Catalysts The Game Changers

Catalysts are the clever chemicals that speed up reactions without getting consumed in the process. They're like the perfect wingman - they help things happen but stay unchanged themselves.

What makes catalysts brilliant is their reusability. Once a reaction finishes, you can collect your catalyst and use it again for the next batch. This makes them incredibly valuable in industrial processes.

Catalysts work by providing an easier pathway for the reaction to occur, lowering the energy barrier that reactants need to overcome.

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Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Chemistry

41

10 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Rates of Reaction - Key Concepts for Chemistry

user profile picture

Ruby

@_fipd

Chemical reactions are happening all around us, from rusting metal to baking a cake. Understanding how fast these reactions occur and what affects their speed is crucial for everything from cooking to industrial processes.

2
e
a chemical reaction. can
e colour change eg blue -> Red.
energy change eg rise or fall in temperature.
gas is being given off.
Solid
for

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Recognising Chemical Reactions

You can spot a chemical reaction by looking for telltale signs that something new is being created. Watch for colour changes (like blue turning red), temperature shifts, bubbles of gas forming, or solids appearing out of nowhere.

The magic happens when reactants (your starting materials) transform into completely new substances called products. Think of it like this: magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide. You're literally creating something that didn't exist before.

Exothermic reactions release energy and warm up their surroundings - like striking a match. Endothermic reactions do the opposite, absorbing energy and cooling things down - like an ice pack when you squeeze it.

The rate of reaction simply measures how quickly this transformation happens. Some reactions are lightning fast (like explosions), whilst others crawl along slowly (like rusting).

Key insight: There are four main ways to speed up any chemical reaction, and mastering these gives you control over chemistry itself.

Particle Size Effects

When you make particles smaller, reactions speed up dramatically. It's all about surface area - imagine trying to dissolve a whole sugar cube versus granulated sugar in your tea.

Smaller particles expose more surface area to other reactants, creating more opportunities for chemical collisions. More collisions mean faster reactions - it's that simple.

2
e
a chemical reaction. can
e colour change eg blue -> Red.
energy change eg rise or fall in temperature.
gas is being given off.
Solid
for

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Concentration and Temperature Effects

Increasing concentration is like adding more players to a football match - with more reactant particles crowded into the same space, collisions happen more frequently. More collisions equal faster reactions.

Temperature changes are equally powerful. Heat up the reactants and particles gain energy, moving faster and colliding more often. It's like turning up the intensity in a game - everything happens quicker and with more force.

Think of temperature as the energy boost that makes particles more likely to actually react when they bump into each other, rather than just bouncing off.

Remember: Higher temperature = more energetic particles = more successful collisions = faster reactions.

Catalysts: The Game Changers

Catalysts are the clever chemicals that speed up reactions without getting consumed in the process. They're like the perfect wingman - they help things happen but stay unchanged themselves.

What makes catalysts brilliant is their reusability. Once a reaction finishes, you can collect your catalyst and use it again for the next batch. This makes them incredibly valuable in industrial processes.

Catalysts work by providing an easier pathway for the reaction to occur, lowering the energy barrier that reactants need to overcome.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

0

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Reaction Rate

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user