The gas-phase reaction
NO₂(g) + CO(g) → NO(g) + CO₂(g)
has an activation energy of 55 kJ mol⁻¹. Assume that the pre-exponential (frequency) factor in the Arrhenius equation remains constant over the temperature range considered.
(a) Determine the ratio k298Kk308K of the rate constants when the temperature is increased from 298 K to 308 K. Show all work leading to your answer.
(b) Interpret the numerical value obtained in part (a) in terms of how the distribution of molecular kinetic energies changes with temperature.
(c) Explain why even a modest 10 K increase in temperature can have a noticeable effect on the rate of a reaction with a relatively high activation energy.