Skip to main content
ChemistryAQA (7405)Kinetics

Rates & Mechanisms — AQA A-Level Chemistry

AQA A-Level Chemistry

Rates of reaction and mechanisms are examined in both AS and A2 AQA Chemistry. This interactive tool covers the factors affecting rate (concentration, temperature, surface area, catalysts), collision theory, the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, rate equations (rate = k[A]^m[B]^n), determining order of reaction from experimental data, and the Arrhenius equation (k = Ae^(-Ea/RT)). Explore reaction mechanisms, identify rate-determining steps, and practise interpreting concentration-time and rate-concentration graphs aligned to AQA Paper 2 questions.

Uses Google Fonts (Fira Code, Red Hat Display). Requires an internet connection for full styling.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rate-determining step?+
The rate-determining step is the slowest step in a multi-step reaction mechanism. It controls the overall rate of reaction. The species involved in or before the rate-determining step appear in the rate equation; species that react after this step do not.
How does temperature affect rate of reaction?+
Increasing temperature increases the kinetic energy of particles, so more particles exceed the activation energy. The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution shifts to the right, and the proportion of successful collisions increases — this is why a 10 degrees C rise roughly doubles reaction rate.

Want to go further with Chemistry?

Explore the full ClearConcept app

19+ A-Level subjects. Flashcards, glossary, progress tracking, and exam technique — all spec-aligned and free to try.

More Chemistry tools