Activation Energy and Temperature

[Caroline C 1G]

What happens to the rate constant if there is a high activation energy and a high temperature? Are these conditions even possible?

[andrewr2H]

Yes, these conditions are possible. Having a high temperature just means you're more likely to reach the activation energy, though it may be higher. The effect these two conditions would have on the rate constant, in terms of increasing or decreasing it, would depend on the magnitude of each condition and which one outweighs the other.

[Lisa Tang 1C]

Yes, these conditions are possible. Having a high temperature just means you're more likely to reach the activation energy, though it may be higher. The effect these two conditions would have on the rate constant, in terms of increasing or decreasing it, would depend on the magnitude of each condition and which one outweighs the other.

Does the activation energy of a reaction change at different temperatures?

[Peter Dis1G]

Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy needed for a reaction to take place. Think of it as an entrance fee to a party. Increasing temperature refers to adding heat. Since heat is considered a form of energy, increasing the amount of heat means to increase the amount of energy available in the system. This allows for more successful reactions to take place. Activation energy can’t be altered by temperature. Catalysts are molecules that speed up reactions. Catalysts reduce the activation energy of reactions so that more successful reactions can occur without increasing the temperature.