Kinetics is the study of the rate of reactions, or how fast they occur under different conditions. It usually includes a study of the mechanisms of reactions, which is a look at how the reacting molecules break apart and then form the new molecules. This knowledge allows chemists to control reactions and/or design new or better ways to produce the desired products.

These notes are divided into six separate sections. They may be accessed in any order from this page or from within each section.

• Reaction Rates
• Reaction Order
• Activation Energy
• Catalysts
• Temperature Effects
• Reaction Mechanisms

---

These notes are a work in progress. More graphics will be incorporated and problem sets will be available as .pdf files for viewing with Adobe Acrobat Reader.