Activation Energy Formula:
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Definition: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.
Purpose: This calculator determines the activation energy by comparing reaction rates at two different temperatures.
The calculator uses the Arrhenius equation in this form:
Where:
Explanation: The ratio of rate constants at different temperatures reveals the energy barrier of the reaction.
Details: Knowing activation energy helps predict reaction rates, design chemical processes, and understand reaction mechanisms.
Tips: Enter both rate constants (1/s), both temperatures (K). Temperatures must be different and in Kelvin (absolute scale).
Q1: What units should I use for temperature?
A: Always use Kelvin for temperature in this calculation.
Q2: Why do the temperatures need to be different?
A: The calculation compares how the rate changes with temperature, so identical temperatures would give division by zero.
Q3: What's a typical range for activation energies?
A: Most chemical reactions have Eₐ between 50-250 kJ/mol, though some can be outside this range.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It assumes perfect Arrhenius behavior. Real systems may deviate slightly due to complex reaction mechanisms.
Q5: Can I use Celsius temperatures?
A: No, you must convert to Kelvin first (K = °C + 273.15).