For a reaction taking place in three steps at same temperature, overall rate constant K = K 1 K 2 K 3 . If Ea 1 , Ea 2 and Ea 3 are 40 , 50 and 60 kJ / mol respectively, the overall Ea is _________ kJ / mol .

Step-by-step solution

According to Arrhenius concept, K = Ae - E a / RT Given that, K = K 1 . K 2 / K 3 Using Arrhenius equation we can expand above equation as e - E a ( net ) / RT = e - E a 1 / RT × e - E a 2 / RT e - E a 3 / RT Hence, E a ( net ) = E a 1 + E a 2 - E a 3 ⇒ E a ( net ) = 40 + 50 - 60 = 30 kJ / mol