UNIT OVERVIEW

Why does a match burst into flame instantly while iron takes months to rust? Why does food stay fresh longer in the fridge? The answers lie in understanding reaction rates.

Reaction rate tells us how fast a chemical reaction happens. This knowledge matters in real life—from manufacturing medicines to preserving food to reducing car exhaust pollution.

What you will learn:

• What reaction rate means and how to calculate it
• The five factors that affect how fast reactions proceed
• Collision theory: why particles must collide with enough energy
• What activation energy is and how catalysts work
• How to measure reaction rates experimentally
• How to read and draw rate graphs
• The sodium thiosulphate and hydrochloric acid experiment (prescribed practical)

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