What happens to the rate constant k and the activation energy E as the temperature of a chemical reaction is increased? Justify.
Solution
Rate constant: increases with temperature. By the Arrhenius equation , a higher makes the exponential factor larger — the fraction of molecules with energy rises steeply, so (roughly) doubles for every 10° rise.
Activation energy: remains unchanged. is the height of the energy barrier for the given path — a characteristic of the reaction — and does not depend on temperature.
Activation energy: remains unchanged. is the height of the energy barrier for the given path — a characteristic of the reaction — and does not depend on temperature.
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2023 · Subjective