A complex chemical mechanism generates an overall effective rate constant modeled as . Applying stri — Chemical Kinetics Chemistry Question
Question
A complex chemical mechanism generates an overall effective rate constant modeled as $k_{eff} = k_1 \sqrt{k_2 / k_3}$. Applying strict Arrhenius exponential rules, what is the formula for the overall effective activation energy $E_{a(eff)}$?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
Because $k_i = A_i e^{-E_{ai}/RT}$, complex operations on $k$ map uniquely to simple addition/subtraction in the exponent. Multiplication becomes addition, division becomes subtraction, and roots become fractional multipliers. Thus, $E_{a(eff)} = E_{a1} + 0.5 E_{a2} - 0.5 E_{a3}$.
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