Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated August 2025
Definition
A successful collision in chemistry refers to reactant molecules colliding with enough force and correct orientation so that they break old bonds and form new ones, leading to a chemical reaction.
AP course connection
Topic 6.3: 6.3 Heat Transfer and Thermal Equilibrium
This theory explains how chemical reactions occur and why reaction rates differ. It's like understanding why some puzzles are harder to solve than others.