According to collision theory, what is necessary for a chemical reaction to take place?

Prepare for the UCF CHM2045C Chemistry Exam 3. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each one providing hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

In the context of collision theory, for a chemical reaction to occur, the colliding particles must possess both the correct orientation and sufficient energy. This theory posits that when molecules collide, they must not only have adequate kinetic energy to overcome the activation energy barrier but also be oriented in a manner that allows the proper interactions between them to form new bonds.

Energy is crucial because if the kinetic energy of the colliding molecules is below a certain threshold, they will not be able to react, even if they collide. Correct orientation is equally vital; molecules can be moving toward each other with appropriate energy, but if they are not aligned properly, the necessary atomic interactions for the reaction may not occur. Therefore, B accurately captures these essential requirements of particle collisions in the context of chemical reactions according to collision theory.

The other options do not adequately address the fundamental aspects derived from collision theory. Constant temperature is not strictly necessary for every collision to result in a reaction, nor is a high concentration of reactants alone sufficient without considering energy and orientation. Similarly, while changes in pressure can influence reaction rates, they do not directly pertain to the core tenets of collision theory regarding particle interactions.

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