How is rate of reaction related to activation energy?
1 Answer
If one would think,the relation btw the two is inversely proportional.
Explanation:
Activation energy (Ea) means minimum amount of energy required by the particles for successful reaction when they collide.There are two basic factors for reaction to just take place.
1.Particles need to collide with one another with minimum energy.
2.They must hit each other with proper orientation.But If the particles collide with each other in proper orientation and not with sufficient energy,than the reaction cannot take place.Higher Activation energy means more the energy required by the particles for having successful collision.
For intance,Combustion reaction is the exothermic reaction,but it still require heat (energy) to take place.It is because the Activation energy (Ea)is high.Heat causes particles to gain enough energy to overcome activation energy. So higher Activation energy(Ea) means slower rate of reaction and vice versa.
