A Reaction

Okay, now let's take all we know and try to trace what happen in a reaction:

For this let's react BrCH3(aq) and OH(aq). This will be a exothermic reaction.

First of all, for a successful reaction to occur, the particles of BrCH and OH must collapse in the correct collision geometry.

If this occur there will be enough kinetic energy to be converted into potential energy, and stored in the bonds of the particles of the activated complex.

Because the activated complex is very unstable. It can either break down in products or it can be decomposed into reactant. Remember that it is a mid term?

If the activated complex turns into product, the potential energy that was stored in the bonds of the particles, now will turn into kinetic energy as the separate. This conversion will result in the decrease of the potential energy, and rise in the temperature, which are the main characteristics of an exothermic reaction.

CHEMISTRY!