Question 1: Explain in your own words what Collision Theory states about particle collisions and reaction rates.

Answer: Collision Theory states that for a reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation to break bonds and form new ones, leading to a reaction.

Question 2: Describe how increasing the temperature of a renewable energy catalyst, such as in bioethanol production, affects particle collisions.

Answer: Increasing temperature increases particle kinetic energy, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions, thus increasing the reaction rate.

Question 1: What are the two main conditions required for a successful collision according to Collision Theory?

Answer: Sufficient energy (activation energy) and correct orientation of colliding particles.

Question 2: Define activation energy in the context of a chemical reaction.

Answer: Activation energy is the minimum energy that particles must possess for a collision to result in a reaction.

Question 1: Calculate the average kinetic energy of particles at 25°C (298 K). Use the formula: KE = (3/2)kT, where k = 1.38 × 10⁻²³ J/K.

Answer: KE = (3/2) × 1.38 × 10⁻²³ J/K × 298 K ≈ 6.17 × 10⁻²¹ Joules

Question 2: A catalyst in a renewable energy process lowers the activation energy from 80 kJ/mol to 50 kJ/mol. How does this change affect the rate of reaction at a constant temperature? (Explain briefly using Collision Theory).

Answer: Lowering the activation energy increases the proportion of particles with enough energy to react, thus speeding up the reaction rate.

Question 1: Identify two variables that could affect the rate of a catalytic reaction in a biofuel production process.

Answer: Temperature and concentration of reactants.

Question 2: State two safety precautions that should be considered when working with bioethanol in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Use of proper ventilation and wearing protective gloves and goggles.

Question 1: A renewable energy catalyst increases the rate of a hydrogen production reaction by 50% when the temperature is increased from 20°C to 40°C. Explain how Collision Theory accounts for this change.

Answer: Increasing temperature raises kinetic energy, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions, which, with the catalyst, results in a higher rate of reaction.

Question 1: Explain how understanding Collision Theory can help improve the efficiency of catalysts used in renewable energy technologies such as solar fuel production. Your answer should include how factors like temperature, particle orientation, and energy influence reaction rates (6 marks).

Answer: Understanding Collision Theory allows scientists to optimise conditions such as temperature and reactant concentrations to increase particle energy and collision frequency. Catalysts work by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy, increasing the number of successful collisions. Proper particle orientation during collisions is also crucial for effective reactions. By manipulating these factors, the efficiency of renewable energy processes, like solar fuel production, can be significantly improved, leading to faster reaction rates and higher energy yields.