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Arrhenius equation

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16.2 The Arrhenius equation (HL)

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The other forms of the Arrhenius Equation

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The Arrhenius Equation

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16.2 Using the Arrhenius Equation to find Ea [HL IB Chemistry]

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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 Dutch chemist Jacobus Henricus 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. This equation has a vast and important application in determining rate of chemical reactions and for calculation of energy of activation. Arrhenius provided a physical justification and interpretation for the formula. Currently, it is best seen as an empirical relationship. It can be used to model the temperature variation of diffusion coefficients, population of crystal vacancies, creep rates, and many other thermally-induced processes/reactions. The Eyring equation, developed in 1935, also expresses the relationship between rate and energy.
    • Equation 

    • Arrhenius plot 

    • Modified Arrhenius equation 

    • Theoretical interpretation of the equation