From the Arrhenius equation, we see that the rate constant of a reaction is inverse exponentially related to the activation energy barrier (Ea) relative to the thermal energy / temperature (kT). i.e. k_reaction = A exp( -Ea / kT ). For slow reactions (which take minutes, hours, etc.) Ea is often large compared to kT, so fairly modest increases in temperature result in a dramatic increase in the rate constant. This is a situation similar to what we are describing here. For some unimolecular reaction, the molecule has a high barrier to reaction, and thus we are asking the question "how does a single molecule acquire the energy needed to undergo this reaction?" And the answer is essentially that it collides with another molecule to achieve an "activated" state where the reaction happens much easier.
You should write a pchem book and save us from Atkins.
Thank you very much for the detailed explanation!
Thanks for watching, Tang.
What are Ea and kT doing here? and what is their relationship?
From the Arrhenius equation, we see that the rate constant of a reaction is inverse exponentially related to the activation energy barrier (Ea) relative to the thermal energy / temperature (kT). i.e. k_reaction = A exp( -Ea / kT ). For slow reactions (which take minutes, hours, etc.) Ea is often large compared to kT, so fairly modest increases in temperature result in a dramatic increase in the rate constant. This is a situation similar to what we are describing here. For some unimolecular reaction, the molecule has a high barrier to reaction, and thus we are asking the question "how does a single molecule acquire the energy needed to undergo this reaction?" And the answer is essentially that it collides with another molecule to achieve an "activated" state where the reaction happens much easier.
excellent explaination...i subscribed your channel after watching this video...
Thanks Ashish. Hopefully the rest of the channel lives up to your expectations.
The clarity makes me luk confusin
Anyway it's good
clarity not good
Care to elaborate? Where does it get confusing?