D. B.

Science College , Gondia

Name – Ashwini W. Rahangdale

Roll No. – 04
PRN NO. – 182026
Class – M.Sc. First sem.
Subject – Chemistry Seminar
Topic Name – Arrhenius Equation ,
Activation Energy .
 ARRHENIUS EQUATION
The Arrhenius equation is a formula for the temperature
dependence of reaction rates.
The equation was proposed by Svante Arrhenius in 1889,
based on the work of Van't Hoff who had noted in 1884
that Van't Hoff's equation for the temperature dependence
of equilibrium constants suggests such a formula for the rates of
both forward and reverse reactions.

Arrhenius Theory : Assumption :-

1)All the molecules of the system cannot take part in a chemical
reaction.
2)It is only a certain number of molecule which react. These
reacting molecule are known as active molecules.
Arrhenius Theory : Assumption :-

3)The molecules which do not take part in chemical reaction are

known as passive molecules.

4) An equilibrium exist between active and passive molecules. i.e.

M(active) M(passive)

5) The basic concept of Arrhenius theory is that the passive or

non-active molecules become active due to the absorption of heat
energy.
 According to vant Hoff equation

d ln 𝑘𝑐 ∆𝐸𝑎
= ………………………….(2)
𝑑𝑇 𝑅𝑇 2
Where, 𝑘𝑐 = Equilibrium constant
R = Gas constant
T = Absolute temperature
∆𝐸𝑎 = The change of energy content of the reaction
∆𝐸 = 𝐸1 − 𝐸2
𝑘𝐼
put equation (1) 𝑘𝑐 = in equation (2) , we get
𝑘2
d ln𝑘𝑘𝐼 ∆𝐸𝑎
2
= ( ∆𝐸 = 𝐸1 − 𝐸2 )
𝑑𝑇 𝑅𝑇 2
d ln 𝑘𝐼 d ln 𝑘2 𝐸1 −𝐸2
− = …………………….....(3)
𝑑𝑇 𝑑𝑇 𝑅𝑇 2
Van’t Hoff proposed the equation (3) can be split up into two equation
As follows,
d ln 𝑘𝐼 𝐸1
𝑑𝑇
= 𝑅𝑇 2
+ I …………………………(4)
d ln 𝑘2 𝐸
= 𝑅𝑇22 + I …………………………………….(5)
𝑑𝑇

Where, I is constant & observed that “ I” is independent of temperature ,

Hence, I must be equal to zero in equation (4) & (5)

d ln 𝑘𝐼 𝐸1
= ……………………………………….(6)
𝑑𝑇 𝑅𝑇 2

d ln 𝑘2 𝐸
𝑑𝑇
= 𝑅𝑇22 ……………………………………..(7)

Let’s consider the equation (6)

𝐸
d ln𝑘𝐼 = 𝑅𝑇12 dT
Integrating above equation
−𝐸
ln𝑘𝐼 = 𝑅𝑇1 + A
where , A is integrating constant

therefore, 𝑘𝐼 = A𝑒 −𝐸1/𝑅𝑇 ……………………………………(8)

similarly 𝑘2 = A𝑒 −𝐸2/𝑅𝑇 ……………………………………(9)

in general,
𝑘 = A𝑒 −𝐸𝑎/𝑅𝑇 ……………………………………(10)
equation (10) is called as “ Arrhenius equation”
where,
A = is constant and called frequency factor
𝐸𝑎 = Energy of activation
k = Reaction constant
R = Gas constant
T = Temperature
Calculation of Activation Energy :-
According to Arrhenius equation
𝑘 = A𝑒 −𝐸𝑎/𝑅𝑇
taking log. Both side, we get
𝐸
lnk= lnA - 𝑅𝑇𝑎

𝐸
2.303 log k = 2.303log A - 𝑅𝑇𝑎
𝐸 𝑎
log k = logA - 2.303𝑅𝑇

1
Plot the graph of logKagainst temperature (𝑇) give straight lines with slope =
− 𝐸𝑎
2.303𝑅

Intercept = log A

LogK Slope =
−𝐸 𝑎
2.303𝑅
𝐸𝑎 = - (slope * 2.303R)
1
(𝑇)
………………
 QUESTIONS ASKED IN UNIVERSITY EXAM

Define activation energy. How it is determined ?

Show that the equation K = A exp (-Ea/RT) can be casted into

the form of an equation of straight line.

What is the effect of temperature on rate of reaction ? Give

Arrhenius equation and derive its integrated form.

Give an account of Arrhenius equation and its limitations.

 REFERENCES

https://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/basicrates/arrhenius

https://www.britannica.com/science/Arrhenius-equation

www.chem.tamu.edu/rgroup/hughbanks/courses/102/slides/slides
17_2.pdf

 Advanced physical chemistry Book by J.N.Gurtu and Amit gurtu