Question

In the equation $\mathrm{k}={\mathrm{PZ}}_{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{e}}^{\frac{-\mathrm{Ea}}{\mathrm{RT}}}$ what is the term used for describing P?

Answer 1

Collision theory:

1. The reacting molecules must approach and collide for a chemical reaction to begin. The bonds between the interacting molecules are severed as a result of these collisions, and the product is created with new bonds.
2. To explain the reaction rates in a gaseous state, Arrhenius presented a simple collision theory. Kinetic molecular theory or reaction rate collision theory is the name given to this theory.
3. Arrhenius gives the equation $\mathrm{k}={\mathrm{Ae}}^{\frac{-\mathrm{Ea}}{\mathrm{RT}}}$ where Ea is the activation energy, R is gas constant, T is temperature, A is the pre-exponential factor that is
4. The pre-exponential factor “A” can also be given by A$=$PZ_AB where P gives the probability factor or steric factor or orientation factor which tells the orientation at the time of the collision and Z is the collision frequency i.e. the number of active collisions.

Therefore, P represents the probability factor in the Arrhenius equation.