What is an effective collisions theory?

The effective collisions theory, a key concept in chemical kinetics, posits that only a fraction of molecular collisions leads to a chemical reaction. For a collision to be effective, it must occur with sufficient energy and the correct orientation, allowing the reactant molecules to overcome the activation energy barrier and form products. This theory emphasizes the importance of the specific conditions under which collisions occur in influencing the overall reaction rate. Understanding effective collisions provides insights into the factors governing reaction kinetics and aids in the design and optimization of chemical processes by manipulating conditions that favor successful collisions.