3. Chalcocite is an ore from which copper can be extracted for commercial use. The formula for this important ore is Cu2S. In the laboratory it is formed by the following reaction:
2Cu + S �¨ Cu2S
The reaction takes place in laboratory conditions that allow the reactant atoms to move freely about in the reaction vessel. Explain this reaction in terms of collision theory.
Collision theory is a principle that explains how chemical reactions occur in terms of the collisions between particles. According to this theory, for a chemical reaction to occur, the reactant particles must collide with sufficient energy and with the proper orientation.
In the given reaction, 2Cu + S → Cu2S, copper (Cu) reacts with sulfur (S) to form chalcocite (Cu2S). In order for this reaction to take place, the particles of copper and sulfur must come into contact with each other in a reaction vessel.
First, the copper (Cu) atoms and sulfur (S) atoms need to be free to move about in the reaction vessel. This means that the reaction vessel should be at a suitable temperature and pressure, providing the necessary conditions for the reactant particles to move freely.
Next, the collision between the copper atoms and sulfur atoms needs to occur. This collision can be facilitated by providing sufficient energy to the reactant particles. The energy can be supplied through heating the reaction vessel, which increases the kinetic energy of the particles, making them move faster. As a result, the chances of successful collisions between the copper and sulfur atoms increase.
Additionally, the orientation of the colliding particles is crucial. In this reaction, two copper atoms (2Cu) collide with one sulfur atom (S) to produce chalcocite (Cu2S). The colliding atoms must align themselves properly so that the copper atoms can react with the sulfur atom, forming the product. If the orientation is not correct, the reactants may simply bounce off each other and no reaction occurs.
Overall, the collision theory explains that the reaction between copper and sulfur to form chalcocite occurs because the reactant particles have the necessary freedom of motion, possess sufficient energy, and collide with the proper orientation.