Question
The equation for the rate constant is k = Ae^ -E_a/RT . A chemical reaction will proceed more rapidly if there is a decrease in
The equation for the rate constant is k = Ae^ -E_a/RT . A chemical reaction will proceed more rapidly if there is a decrease in
C. E_a
The rate of a chemical reaction is directly proportional to the rate constant k. According to the Arrhenius equation, k = Ae^ -E_a/RT . For the reaction to proceed more rapidly, the rate constant k must increase. A decrease in the activation energy E_a makes the exponent -E_a/RT less negative, which increases the value of e^ -E_a/RT . Therefore, a decrease in E_a leads to an increase in k, making the reaction proceed more rapidly.
Related: Chemistry — Chemical Kinetics · All PYQ Banks