Explain: How is the value of activation energy determined based on the Arrhenius equation?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Method-$1$: Calculation of $E_{a}$:
The Arrhenius equation is $k = A \cdot e^{-\frac{E_{a}}{RT}}$.
Taking the natural logarithm on both sides gives $\ln k = -\frac{E_{a}}{RT} + \ln A$.
If the rate constants at temperatures $T_{1}$ and $T_{2}$ are $k_{1}$ and $k_{2}$ respectively,we have:
$\ln k_{1} = -\frac{E_{a}}{RT_{1}} + \ln A$ $(i)$
$\ln k_{2} = -\frac{E_{a}}{RT_{2}} + \ln A$ $(ii)$
Subtracting $(i)$ from $(ii)$ gives $\ln \frac{k_{2}}{k_{1}} = \frac{E_{a}}{R} (\frac{1}{T_{1}} - \frac{1}{T_{2}})$.
Converting to base-$10$ logarithm: $\log \frac{k_{2}}{k_{1}} = \frac{E_{a}}{2.303 R} (\frac{T_{2} - T_{1}}{T_{1} T_{2}})$.
By substituting the known values of $k_{1}, k_{2}, T_{1}, T_{2}$ and the gas constant $R$,$E_{a}$ can be calculated.
Method-$2$: Graphical Method:
Plot $\ln k$ versus $\frac{1}{T}$ or $\log k$ versus $\frac{1}{T}$.
The plot is a straight line with a slope equal to $-\frac{E_{a}}{R}$ (for $\ln k$) or $-\frac{E_{a}}{2.303 R}$ (for $\log k$).
Thus,$E_{a} = -\text{slope} \times R$ or $E_{a} = -\text{slope} \times 2.303 R$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The decomposition of formic acid on a gold surface follows first-order kinetics. If the rate constant at $300 \ K$ is $1.0 \times 10^{-3} \ s^{-1}$ and the activation energy $E_a = 11.488 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$,the rate constant at $200 \ K$ is ............ $\times 10^{-5} \ s^{-1}$.
(Round off to the Nearest Integer).
(Given: $R = 8.314 \ J \ mol^{-1} K^{-1}$)

When the temperature of a reaction is raised by $10^{\circ}C$,how many times the rate will be enhanced?

For the reaction $A_2 + B_2 \rightleftharpoons 2AB$,the activation energies for the forward and backward reactions are $180 \, kJ \, mol^{-1}$ and $200 \, kJ \, mol^{-1}$ respectively. In the presence of a catalyst,the activation energy for both (forward and backward) reactions decreases by $100 \, kJ \, mol^{-1}$. What will be the enthalpy change $(\Delta H)$ for the reaction $(A_2 + B_2 \rightarrow 2AB)$ in the presence of a catalyst in $kJ \, mol^{-1}$?

In the presence of a catalyst,the heat evolved or absorbed during the reaction . . . . . . .

What is the activation energy $(kJ \, mol^{-1})$ for a reaction if its rate constant doubles when the temperature is raised from $300 \, K$ to $400 \, K$ ? $(R = 8.314 \, J \, mol^{-1} \, K^{-1})$

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo