activation energy concept

Question

Lower activation energy implies:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Activation Energy ($E_a$)**: The minimum kinetic energy reacting molecules must possess for a collision to be effective.
2. **Relationship with $k$**: From $k = A e^{-E_a/RT}$, a smaller $E_a$ (in the numerator of the negative exponent) leads to a larger value of $k$.
3. **Microscopic View**: As the energy barrier ($E_a$) is lowered, a **larger fraction** of the total molecules in the sample will possess enough kinetic energy to overcome it at any given temperature.
4. **Outcome**: Higher frequency of successful collisions leads to a **faster reaction**.

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activation energy concept

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