Define the terms 'order of a reaction' and 'rate constant'. Describe the qualitative effect of temperature changes on the rate constant. Interpret graphical representations for zero, first and second order reactions. Determine the order of a reaction from given data. Calculate half-life for first order reactions only.
Mechanisms Define the terms 'rate determining step', 'molecularity' and ' activated complex'.
Describe the relationship between mechanism, order, rate determining step and activated complex. Collision theory Describe the Maxwell- Boltzman energy distribution curve. Draw and interpret qualitatively Maxwell-Boltzman energy distribution curves for different temperatures. Describe qualitatively the relationship between activation energy and rate constant in the Arrhenius equation. Sketch enthalpy level diagrams for reactions with and without catalysts.