Arrhenius Equation

The Arrhenius equation calculates the reaction rate constant (k). Under fixed temperature conditions, a chemical reaction is possible if the molecules have activation energy. Activated molecules interact through collisions.

Collision frequency (A) depends on temperature. Therefore, the rate of a chemical reaction depends on Ea. Where Ea – activation energy. The greater this indicator, the lower the reaction rate, as the number of active interacting molecules is smaller.

Accordingly, the smaller Ea, the faster the chemical reaction rate. It follows that if Ea = 0, the chemical reaction occurs almost instantly.

Why is it necessary to calculate the Arrhenius equation? Constant (k) is interconnected with Ea. If Ea within the range from 50 to 100 kJ∙mole-1, then when the temperature changes by 10⁰, the reaction rate changes by 2-4 times.

Calculate constant (k) reaction rate using the Arrhenius equation with an online calculator. Knowing the data:
• temperature;
• collision frequency of interacting molecules (k);
• energy Ea,

you can derive the chemical reaction rate constant. Based on data analysis, it can be determined that chemical reaction acceleration is possible in two ways: increase temperature, reduce Ea.


Collision frequency, A sec-1
Activation energy, Ea kJ mole-1
Temperature, T K
 

Reaction rate constant, K sec-1