Thermal vibrations can influence reaction rates and pathways in several ways:
Activation Energy: Thermal vibrations can provide the necessary energy to overcome the activation energy barrier, facilitating the transition state formation. Surface Interactions: In heterogeneous catalysis, thermal vibrations can affect the adsorption and desorption of reactants on the catalyst surface. Bond Breaking and Formation: Vibrational energy can assist in breaking chemical bonds and forming new ones, thus enhancing catalytic activity.
