Question

The rate constant of a reaction is given by $k=P Ze^{-Ea/RT}$ under standard notation. In order to speed up the reaction, which of the following factors has to be decreased ?

• A. Z
• B. Both Z and T
• C. $E_a$
• D. T

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$E_a$

Answer 2

The expression of rate constant given in the question ( $\left.k = PZ e ^{(- Ea / RT )}\right)$ is according to Arrhenius theory. To speed up the reaction, we will have to decrease the value of $E_{a}$ i.e. activation energy and will have to increase the value of temperature $(T)$ and the number of collisions $(Z)$.