Question

What is the effect of temperature on the rate constant of a reaction? 

Hint:

An increase in temperature results in an increase in the rate constant, accelerating the reaction.

Answer 1

The rate constant of a reaction generally increases with temperature. This is explained by the Arrhenius equation, which shows that the rate constant \(k\) increases exponentially with an increase in temperature. As the temperature rises, the number of molecules having sufficient energy to overcome the activation energy barrier increases, leading to an increase in the rate constant. \[ k = A \cdot e^{-\frac{E_a}{RT}} \] Where: - \(k\) is the rate constant, - \(A\) is the frequency factor, - \(E_a\) is the activation energy, - \(R\) is the gas constant, - \(T\) is the temperature in Kelvin.