Chapter 8 Rates of Reaction (Year 9 Cambridge Checkpoint Science)

What is the Rate of Reaction?

• The rate of reaction is how fast reactants turn into products.

• It is measured by:

o Reactants disappearing over time

o Products forming over time

Formula for Rate of Reaction

Rate of reaction=Change in amount of reactant or productTime taken\text{Rate of reaction} =

\frac{\text{Change in amount of reactant or product}}{\text{Time
taken}}Rate of reaction=Time takenChange in amount of reactant or product

Units:

• Gas: cm³/s (e.g., volume of CO₂ produced)

• Solid/Liquid: g/s (e.g., loss of mass)

8.1 Measuring Rates of Reaction

Methods to Measure Reaction Rate

Method How it Works Example Pros & Cons

If gas is released, mass Calcium carbonate + Good for gas reactions

Measuring mass loss
decreases HCl → CO₂ gas Needs a balance

Use a gas syringe to

Measuring gas Magnesium + HCl → H₂ Accurate Gas leaks
collect and measure
production gas affect accuracy
gas

Colour change Sodium thiosulfate +

Observe when solution Easy to observe
(Precipitation HCl → Sulfur
turns cloudy Subjective results
method) precipitate

Highly accurate
Measures change in
Conductivity change Ionic reactions Requires specialized
electrical conductivity
equipment

Collision Theory Model

• Particles must collide to react.

• More successful collisions = faster reaction.

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 Study Tip
Always check for independent variable (what you change) and dependent variable (what you
measure).

8.2 Surface Area and Rate of Reaction

How Surface Area Affects Reaction Rate

• Smaller particles react faster than large lumps because they have more surface area
exposed for collisions.

• More exposed particles = more collisions per second.

Example Experiment

• Marble chips + HCl

o Powdered marble chips react faster than large lumps.

Scientific Model: Surface Area Effect

Powdered solid = More surface area = More collision sites = Faster reaction.

Study Tip
Imagine cutting a large sugar cube into small pieces – more of it touches the water, so it dissolves
faster!

8.3 Temperature and Rate of Reaction

How Temperature Affects Reaction Rate

• Higher temperature = Faster reaction because:

o Particles move faster.

o More frequent collisions.

o More successful collisions (higher energy = more particles can overcome activation
energy).

Example Experiment

• Magnesium + HCl at different temperatures

o At higher temperatures, hydrogen gas forms faster.

Scientific Model: Activation Energy

• Activation energy = Minimum energy needed for a reaction to occur.

• Higher temperature = More particles have energy above the activation energy.

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 Study Tip
Think of boiling water – at higher temperatures, molecules move faster, so steam forms more
quickly!

8.4 Concentration and Rate of Reaction

How Concentration Affects Reaction Rate

• Higher concentration = Faster reaction because:

o More reactant particles in the same space.

o More collisions per second.

Example Experiment

• Hydrochloric acid + magnesium ribbon

o More concentrated acid = faster bubbles (H₂ gas).

Scientific Model: Collision Frequency

Higher concentration = More particles per unit volume = More collisions = Faster reaction.

Study Tip
If you double the concentration, the rate often doubles too.

Safety Risks and Precautions

Experiment Possible Risks Safety Precautions

Acid can splash, CO₂ gas Wear goggles, use small volumes, work in a
Marble chips + HCl
builds pressure ventilated area

Gas buildup may cause

Gas syringe (Mg + HCl) Use a loose stopper, measure gas carefully
explosion

Sodium thiosulfate +
Produces toxic SO₂ gas Work in a fume cupboard, avoid inhaling gas
HCl

High temperature Use tongs, handle hot glassware with heat-

Burns risk
reactions resistant gloves

Study Tip
Always read lab instructions before starting.
Tie back hair and wear gloves when handling acids.

Summary Chart: Factors Affecting Rate of Reaction

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Factor Effect on Reaction Rate Why?

More surface area = Faster

Surface Area More particles exposed for collisions
reaction

Higher temperature = Faster Particles move faster, more successful

Temperature
reaction collisions

Higher concentration = Faster

Concentration More particles per volume, more collisions
reaction

Provides alternative pathway with lower

Catalyst Speeds up reaction
activation energy

Sample Exam Questions with Answers

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of these increases the rate of reaction?

a) Lowering the temperature
b) Using bigger lumps of reactant
c) Using a catalyst
d) Decreasing concentration

2. Why does a powdered solid react faster than a lump?

a) It is more concentrated
b) It has a higher temperature
c) It has a larger surface area
d) It has fewer collisions

Short Answer Questions

1. Explain why temperature affects reaction rate.

Higher temperature → Particles move faster → More collisions per second → More successful
collisions.

2. Why does increasing concentration increase reaction rate?

More reactant particles in the same space → More collisions → Faster reaction.

3. A student reacts magnesium with HCl at two different temperatures. What would you
expect to see at the higher temperature?
More bubbles form faster, reaction finishes quicker.

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Sample questions:

Final Study Tips

Use graphs to show how reaction rate changes over time.

Practice drawing the collision theory diagrams.
Experiment at home with baking soda + vinegar to see how concentration affects reaction speed.
Remember keywords: collision frequency, activation energy, surface area, concentration,
temperature.

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