Activation Energy Calculator

The Activation Energy Calculator allows users to compute the activation energy (Ea) of a chemical reaction using initial and final reaction rates, temperatures, and chosen units for the gas constant, while providing intermediate calculations such as the natural log of the rate ratio and inverse temperature difference.

Use Our Activation Energy Calculator

How to Use the Activation Energy Calculator

This guide will walk you through the steps to calculate the activation energy using the Activation Energy Calculator. This tool requires specific input parameters to compute the desired results, including the reaction rates and temperatures at two different states, as well as the gas constant.

Step 1: Enter Initial Reaction Rate

– Locate the input field labeled Initial Reaction Rate (k₁).
– Enter the initial rate constant in the designated field. Ensure the value you input is a non-negative number, as per the validation requirements.

Step 2: Enter Final Reaction Rate

– Find the next input field labeled Final Reaction Rate (k₂).
– Type in the final rate constant. Like the initial rate, this value should also be non-negative.

Step 3: Enter Initial Temperature

– Proceed to the field labeled Initial Temperature (T₁) in Kelvin.
– Make sure to input the initial temperature in Kelvin. The input field requires a non-negative value.

Step 4: Enter Final Temperature

– Continue to the field labeled Final Temperature (T₂) in Kelvin.
– Input the final temperature value in Kelvin, making sure it is a non-negative number.

Step 5: Select Gas Constant Units

– Move to the Gas Constant (R) Units drop-down selection.
– Choose one of the available unit options for the gas constant:

  • J/(mol·K) – 8.314
  • cal/(mol·K) – 1.987
  • L·atm/(mol·K) – 0.08206

Step 6: Calculate Results

After entering all the required inputs, the calculator will process your data to provide the following results:

  • Activation Energy (Ea): Calculated using the formula
    (-gasConstant * (ln(finalRate/initialRate))) / ((1/finalTemp) - (1/initialTemp)), presented in kJ/mol with two decimal precision.
  • Natural Log of Rate Ratio: This intermediary value calculated as ln(finalRate/initialRate), shown with four decimal places.
  • Inverse Temperature Difference: Computed with the formula (1/finalTemp) - (1/initialTemp), displayed in K⁻¹ with six decimal places.

Review your results, and if necessary, adjust your inputs for further calculations.