Temperature dependence of the rate of a reaction

 1. Effect of temperature on reaction rate:

⇒ As the temperature increases, the average energy of the reaction increases, hence rate of reaction increases.

⇒ As a common rule, for every 10° rise of temperature, the rate of reaction will increase by 2 (or) 3 times of initial value.

⇒ According to Arrhenius concept:

η = η₀ e ^-Eₐ/RT

η₀ = total number of molecules

η = total number of molecules activated

Eₐ = Activation energy

It can be written in the following way.

K = A e ^-Eₐ/RT

K = Rate Constant of reaction

log K₂/K₁ = -Eₐ/R ([1/T₂] – [1/T₁])

2. Effect of catalyst on reaction rate:

⇒ A catalyst alters the reaction velocity by changing the activation energy by changing the reaction mechanism, without getting consumed during the reaction.

⇒ The physical state of the catalyst may or may not change.

⇒ A catalyst works by providing an alternate path to the reaction

a. Positive catalysts: A catalyst which increases the rate of reaction is called positive catalyst. Such catalyst decreases activation energy by accepting a smaller path, so rate of reaction is increased.

Eg: 

b. Negative catalysts (Inhibitors): A catalyst which decreases or retards the rate of reaction is called negative catalysts.

It is because a -ve catalyst increase activation energy by taking a longer alternative path.

Eg: