## Ratio of Rate Constants (Energy Barriers)

$K = \frac{k_{forward}}{k_{reverse}}$

Rhiannon Imbeah 2I
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 3:00 am

### Ratio of Rate Constants (Energy Barriers)

When looking at the reverse rate (k') of a reaction, why is a lower rate constant required for a higher energy barrier? Visa versa for forward reaction (k), why is a higher rate constant required for a lower energy barrier?

Liam Giffin 2B
Posts: 34
Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2016 3:00 am
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### Re: Ratio of Rate Constants (Energy Barriers)

Well the rate constant is part of what determines the rate of the reaction. A larger rate constant corresponds to a faster reaction. If the energy barrier is lower then less energy is required for the reaction to occur, so the reaction will be faster and thus k must be larger.

Xinyi_Yan_3L
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2016 2:56 pm

### Re: Ratio of Rate Constants (Energy Barriers)

This can be explained with the Arrhenius equation: k=A*Exp(-EA/(R*T)), which is determined through experiments. A higher energy level means reactants must collide with higher energy, which is harder to achieve. Therefore the rate is lower and the rate constant is smaller.