Frequency Factor

[Caroline C 1G]

I understand that A is the frequency factor and that it involves the number of collisions between reactants in the correct orientation, but what exactly is the correct orientation?

[Hazem Nasef 1I]

Two molecules have to collide in the correct orientation, meaning that specific places on one molecule must collide with another molecule in a certain location. The molecules can't just randomly collide in any location in order for the reaction to proceed. Think of it like plugging a plug into an outlet: the plug must be placed in the correct orientation in order to fit in the outlet. You can't put the plug in the outlet any way you want. Hope this helps!