The rate of the reaction $$ \begin{aligned} \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOC}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{5}(a q)+\mathrm{OH}^{-}(a q) & \longrightarrow \\ \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COO}^{-}(a q)+\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{OH}(a q) \end{aligned} $$ was measured at several temperatures, and the following data were collected: $$ \begin{array}{ll} \hline \text { Temperature }\left({ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right) & \boldsymbol{k}\left(\boldsymbol{M}^{-1} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}\right) \\ \hline 15 & 0.0521 \\ 25 & 0.101 \\ 35 & 0.184 \\ 45 & 0.332 \\ \hline \end{array} $$ Calculate the value of \(E_{a}\) by constructing an appropriate graph.

In the study of chemical kinetics, the reaction rate constant, represented as k, is a crucial parameter which provides insight into the speed at which a reaction occurs.

This constant is influenced by various factors, including the temperature, the presence of catalysts, and the physical state of the reactants. A higher value of k suggests a reaction that occurs more quickly. The Arrhenius equation provides a way to connect the temperature of the system with the rate constant, illustrating how k varies with temperature changes.

To put it simply, at higher temperatures, reactants have more energy, and so the likelihood of successful collisions between them increases, leading to an increased reaction rate constant.

Another fundamental concept in chemical reactions is activation energy, designated as \(E_a\). This refers to the minimum amount of energy needed for reactants to transform into products during a chemical reaction.

Thinking of it as a barrier, only reactants with sufficient energy to overcome this hurdle can result in a successful reaction. The magnitude of \(E_a\) reflects the reaction's sensitivity to temperature changes. A lower activation energy means that more molecules possess the necessary energy even at lower temperatures, thereby speeding up the rate at which the reaction proceeds.

The Arrhenius equation's exponential term \(e^{-\frac{E_a}{RT}}\) shows the direct relationship between \(E_a\) and the reaction rate constant \(k\); as \(E_a\) decreases, the rate constant \(k\) increases, enhancing the reaction rate.

When studying reaction kinetics, the graphical representation known as an Arrhenius plot is an important tool used for analyzing the effects of temperature on the rate constant of a reaction.

By plotting the natural logarithm of the reaction rate constant \(\ln(k)\) against the inverse temperature \(1/T\), a straight line is usually formed, which is indicative of the linear relationship described by the Arrhenius equation after logarithmic transformation. The slope of this line corresponds to \(-\frac{E_a}{R}\) and allows us to determine the activation energy.

The y-intercept, on the other hand, gives the natural logarithm of the pre-exponential factor \(\ln(A)\), which represents the frequency or likelihood of reaction collisions occurring. These plots are not just theoretical; in practice, they provide a practical method for experimentally determining the activation energy and pre-exponential factor from temperature-dependent reaction rate data, as seen in the exercise provided.