APPLICATION OF GRAPHICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE ACTIVATION ENERGY USING THE ARRHENIUS EQUATION

Yousuo Digieneni ¹, Orlando Ketebu ²and Omuso-Wilson Ereyanannyo

ABSTRACT

A simple definition of the activation energy is given. Factors affecting the activation energy of a reaction are mentioned. It is also stated that Activation energy does not depend upon the temperature, pressure, volume, concentration, or coefficients of reactant. The Arrhenius equation that shows the dependence of chemical rates on temperature is given. The activation energy from the Arrhenius equation was determined by both the graphical method and analytical method. For reactants A and B both having a concentration of 1.0 mol/dm³ which is exothermic and proceeds 100 times faster at 400K than 300K, the activation energy determined through the graphical method is  and that which is determined through the analytic method is .

Keywords: Activation Energy, Arrhenius Equation, Temperature, Reaction Rate, Gas Constant.