← Chemistry Lab Reaction Kinetics

Reaction Kinetics

Arrhenius equation, activation energy barrier, and catalyst effect on reaction rates.

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Rate Constant k: --
Rate: --
Half-life: --
Time: 0 s
Half-Life t₁/₂
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Presets

Parameters

Governing Equations

Arrhenius Equation: k = A · exp(-Ea / RT) where k = rate constant, A = pre-exponential factor Ea = activation energy, R = 8.314 J/mol·K, T = temperature Rate Laws: Zero Order: rate = k, [A] = [A]₀ - kt First Order: rate = k[A], [A] = [A]₀·exp(-kt) Second Order: rate = k[A]², 1/[A] = 1/[A]₀ + kt Half-life: Zero Order: t₁/₂ = [A]₀ / 2k First Order: t₁/₂ = ln(2) / k Second Order: t₁/₂ = 1 / (k[A]₀) Catalyst Effect: Ea' = Ea - ΔEa (lowers barrier, increases k)
Real-World Connection: Understanding reaction rates helps design catalytic converters that reduce automotive emissions and pharmaceutical formulations that optimize drug release profiles. Chemical engineers use Arrhenius kinetics to model reactor design and scale-up processes in industrial manufacturing.