Summary for temperature rise chemical reaction Discussion
Temperature rise as it relates to chemical reaction is discussed as a rule-of-thumb question: Andrew Levin asked whether reactions double for every 10 °F increase. James Totter replied that higher temperatures generally mean faster reactions because atoms move more, but he had never heard that exact rule and said it would apply only to some reactions over a narrow temperature band. James Watts corrected the unit, saying the common rule of thumb is 10 °C, not 10 °F. A final answer agreed that the rule can be roughly correct as a guide, but emphasized there are many exceptions and that reaction kinetics are governed by the Arrhenius equation, with temperature measured on an absolute scale. Overall, the thread warns against treating the doubling rule as universal and points readers to the underlying kinetics for more precise estimates.
Q. Can you please explain to me at what rate will a chemical reaction increase with each 10 °F increase. I am under the impression that for every 10 °F increase, the reaction doubles. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Andrew levin
medical device company – Jensen Beach, FL, USA
2004
Higher temperatures mean more atomic movement, and consequently faster reactions. But I’ve never heard of that rule of thumb and would expect it to apply only to some chemical reactions and only over a narrow temperature band.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2004
A. The rule you are referring to is an Arhennius rate equation. It doesn’t hold true for every reaction, and actually, it is 10 °C, not F.
James Totter, CEF
– Tallahassee, Florida
2004
Thanks, James.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2004
A. Actually, it is 10 °C, not F.
James Watts
– Navarre, Florida
2004
A. Andrew, as a rule of thumb, you are correct, but there are many exceptions and such a value should be used only as a guide. The kinetics of a reaction are governed by the Arrenhius equation, so you can do the sums there (remember the temperature factor is on degress absolute).
Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2004