For a certain reaction,a large fraction of molecules has energy more than the threshold energy,yet the rate of reaction is very slow. Why?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) According to the collision theory,for a reaction to occur,two conditions must be met:
$1$. The colliding molecules must possess energy equal to or greater than the threshold energy $(E_t)$.
$2$. The colliding molecules must have a proper orientation during the collision.
Even if a large fraction of molecules possesses energy greater than the threshold energy,the reaction rate remains slow if the molecules do not collide with the correct orientation.
The rate of reaction is given by the equation: $\text{Rate} = P \cdot Z_{AB} \cdot e^{\frac{-E_a}{RT}}$,where $P$ is the steric factor (or probability factor) representing the fraction of collisions with proper orientation. If $P$ is very small,the reaction rate will be slow.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The rate of reaction is tripled for a $10^\circ C$ rise in temperature. The increase in the reaction rate if the temperature is increased by $60^\circ C$ is $............$ times.

For a certain gaseous reaction,the temperature is increased by $10\,^{\circ}C$ from $25\,^{\circ}C$ to $35\,^{\circ}C$. If the rate of the reaction doubles,what will be the value of the activation energy $(E_a)$?

On increasing the temperature,the rate of the reaction increases because of

The activation energy of a certain reaction is $87 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$. When the temperature is decreased from $37^{\circ} C$ to $15^{\circ} C$,what is the ratio of the rate constant at $37^{\circ} C$ to that at $15^{\circ} C$ for this reaction (in $/ 1$)?

The rate constant for a first order reaction is given by the following equation:
$\ln k = 33.24 - \frac{2.0 \times 10^{4} \, K}{T}$
The activation energy for the reaction is given by $... \, kJ \, mol^{-1}$. (In nearest integer)
(Given: $R = 8.3 \, J \, K^{-1} \, mol^{-1}$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo