According to the Arrhenius equation structure ($k = A \cdot e^{-E_a / RT}$), what effect does a decrease in $E_a$ have on the rate constant ($k$)?
Answer
The rate constant ($k$) increases exponentially
Because $E_a$ is situated within a negative exponent, reducing its magnitude causes the term $e^{-E_a / RT}$ to become larger. This results in an exponential increase in the reaction rate constant ($k$).
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