The Arrhenius Activation Energy for Two Temperature calculator uses the Arrhenius equation to compute activation energy based on two temperatures and two reaction rate constants.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (k1) Reaction rate constant 1
- (k2) Reaction rate constant 2
- (T1) Temperature 1
- (T2) Temperature 2
Activation Energy(Ea): The calculator returns the activation energy in Joules per mole.
The Math / Science
The Arrhenius Equation is used to describe the temperature dependence of reaction rates in chemical reactions. It was developed by Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius in the late 19th century. The Arrhenius Equation is particularly relevant in the field of chemical kinetics, which studies the speed or rate at which chemical reactions occur.
The Arrhenius Equation, `k = A*e^(-E_a/"RT")`, can be rewritten (as shown below) to show the change from k1 to k2 when a temperature change from T1 to T2 takes place.
The Activation Energy equation using the Arrhenius formula is:
`E_a = R*(ln(k_2/k_1))/(1/T_1 -1/T_2)`
where:
- Ea is the activation energy in Joules per mole (J/mol)
- k1 is the reaction rate constant at temperature 1
- k2 is the reaction rate constant at temperature 2
- R is the ideal gas constant (8.314 J/mol*K)
- T1 is temperature 1 in Kelvin (K)
- T2 is temperature 2 in Kelvin (K)
The calculator converts both temperatures to Kelvin so they cancel out properly.
Related Calculators
- Arrhenius Equation (for two temperatures)
- Ideal Gas Constant (R)
- Arrhenius Equation
- Temperature Coefficient Q10
References
Whitten, et al. "Chemistry" 10th Edition. Pp. 645