JEE MAIN - Chemistry (2025 - 3rd April Evening Shift - No. 11)
Consider the following statements related to temperature dependence of rate constants.
Identify the correct statements.
A. The Arrhenius equation holds true only for an elementary homogenous reaction.
B. The unit of $A$ is same as that of $k$ in Arrhenius equation.
C. At a given temperature, a low activation energy means a fast reaction.
D. A and Ea as used in Arrhenius equation depend on temperature.
E. When $\mathrm{Ea} \gg \mathrm{RT}, \mathrm{A}$ and Ea become interdependent.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Explanation
Let’s examine each statement in the light of
$$k = A\,e^{-\frac{E_a}{RT}}\,. $$
A. “Arrhenius holds true only for an elementary homogeneous reaction.”
• False – it’s an empirical law and is routinely used (and found valid) for complex, composite or even heterogeneous processes.
B. “The unit of $A$ is the same as that of $k$.”
• True – since $e^{-E_a/RT}$ is dimensionless, $A$ must carry whatever units $k$ has.
C. “At a given temperature, a low activation energy means a fast reaction.”
• True – smaller $E_a$ makes $\exp(-E_a/RT)$ larger, hence a larger $k$.
D. “$A$ and $E_a$ as used in Arrhenius depend on temperature.”
• False – in the simple Arrhenius model both are treated as constants (over modest $T$-ranges).
E. “When $E_a \gg RT$, $A$ and $E_a$ become interdependent.”
• False – although in some data sets you observe a correlation (compensation effect), the basic Arrhenius form still treats them as independent parameters.
Therefore the only correct statements are B and C.
Answer: B and C only.
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