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In the collision model it is assumed that reactions occur as a result of collisi

ID: 955198 • Letter: I

Question

In the collision model it is assumed that reactions occur as a result of collisions between molecules with the correct kinetic energy and orientation. The minimum energy required for a reaction to occur when molecules collide is called the activation energy, Ea. The number of collisions that are favorably oriented for a reaction is described by the frequency factor, A. The Arrhenius equation relates both of these factors to the rate constant, k:

k=AeEa/(RT)

where R=8.314 J/(molK) and T is the temperature in kelvins.

A certain reaction with an activation energy of 205 kJ/mol was run at 485 K and again at 505 K . What is the ratio of f at the higher temperature to f at the lower temperature?

Explanation / Answer

E = 205 kJ/mol = 205000 J/mol

ln(K2/K1) = E/R*(1/T1-1/T2)

ln(ratio) = 205000/8.314*(1/485 - 1/505)

ratio = exp(205000/8.314*(1/485 - 1/505)) = 7.489

ratio = 7.489