Exponent value in Arrhenius Equation

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The discussion centers on the relationship between the exponent value in the Arrhenius equation and the rate constant (k). As the exponent (e) decreases, the rate constant (k) increases, which appears counter-intuitive since higher exponent values yield larger results in calculations. The Arrhenius equation, k = A*e^(-Ea/RT), indicates that k is influenced by the activation energy (Ea), temperature (T), and the pre-exponential factor (A). The conversation highlights the importance of understanding how changes in these variables affect the exponential factor and ultimately the rate constant. Additionally, a reminder about the properties of exponents is provided, emphasizing the mathematical relationships involved in the equation.
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This may be a pretty dumb question, but how is it that as the exponent value of e decreases, the rate k increases? This seems counter-intuitive, and when I enter values for e into my calculator and compare them, the higher exponents (e.g. 50 vs. 20) give higher results.
 
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The Arrhenius equation is

k = A*e-Ea/RT

where k is the rate constant, A is the pre-exponential factor, Ea is the activation energy, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature (in Kelvin). What are you changing to get the exponential factor to change?

ETA - Also, don't forget the properties of exponents. For the real numbers a and b , where a ≠ 0, one has a-b = 1/ab.

Hopefully it's becoming a bit more clear with those reminders!
 
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