In a bimolecular reaction, the steric factor P was experimentally determined to be 4.5. The correct options among the following is (are):

Options

A. Experimentally determined value of frequency factor is higher than that predicted by Arrhenius equation
B. The value of frequency factor predicted by Arrhenius equation is higher than that determined experimentally
C. The activation energy of the reaction is unaffected by the value of the steric factor
D. Since `P = 4.5`, the reaction will not proceed unless an effective catalyst is used

Answer

A, C

Explanation

`K =P cdot Z e^(-Ea//RT)` (According to Arrhenius equation)
`K=Ae^(-Ea//RT)`
`P=(A)/(Z)`
According to collision theory, P value is generally less than unity but for some reactions P is greater than one and for such reactions, observed rate is greater than rate predicted from Arrhenius equation. For a reaction with P value greater than 1, implies that the experimentally determined value of frequency factor (A) is higher than that predicted by Arrhenius equations and such reactions proceeds rapidly without the use of a catalyst.