Q26 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (16 April Shift 2) · Chemistry
The equation for the rate constant is $k = Ae^{-E_a/RT}$.
A chemical reaction will proceed more rapidly if there is a decrease in
A chemical reaction will proceed more rapidly if there is a decrease in
- A$k$
- B$A$
- Correct answerC$E_a$
- D$T$
Solution
The rate of a chemical reaction is directly proportional to the rate constant $k$.
According to the Arrhenius equation, $k = Ae^{-E_a/RT}$.
For the reaction to proceed more rapidly, the rate constant $k$ must increase.
A decrease in the activation energy $E_a$ makes the exponent $-E_a/RT$ less negative, which increases the value of $e^{-E_a/RT}$.
Therefore, a decrease in $E_a$ leads to an increase in $k$, making the reaction proceed more rapidly.
According to the Arrhenius equation, $k = Ae^{-E_a/RT}$.
For the reaction to proceed more rapidly, the rate constant $k$ must increase.
A decrease in the activation energy $E_a$ makes the exponent $-E_a/RT$ less negative, which increases the value of $e^{-E_a/RT}$.
Therefore, a decrease in $E_a$ leads to an increase in $k$, making the reaction proceed more rapidly.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.