What does the 2.3 constant in e^Q/2.3RT come from?

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In summary, it is convenient to take the log of both sides of energy/temperature relationships given as exponential terms, and the conversion factor between natural log and log base 10 is approximately 2.3. This can be seen in the diffusion equation, where the book writes it as ##D(T)=D_0 \cdot e^{\frac{-Q}{2.3RT}}##. This is also mentioned in a book on page 228, where the equation is written as ## D(T)=D_0 \cdot 10^{\frac{-Q}{2.3RT}} ##.
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FQVBSina_Jesse
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Many activation energy/temperature dependance equations have the term e^Q/RT and often it is written as Q/(2.3RT). Where did this mysterious 2.3 come from?
Ok, I have actually found the answer from http://www.bristol.ac.uk/phys-pharm...ch/ugindex/m1_index/med_memb/file/Nernst1.htm.

Basically, a convenient way to analyze these equations is to take the log of both sides. Since e takes the natural log and the equations are usually in log base 10, the conversion factor between natural log and log10 is 2.303, simplified to 2.3. Since I didn't find an explicit question on this and someone else may have the same question, I will leave this post here if you don't mind.

Many energy/temperature relationships are given as an exponential term, such as the diffusion equation:

$$D(T) = D_0*e^{\frac {-Q_{ID}} {RT}}$$

Where D0 is the initial diffusivity material constant, QID is the activation energy, R is the gas constant, and T is temperature. And often right after this, the book would write it as:

$$D(T) = D_0*e^{\frac {-Q} {2.3RT}}$$

Where did this 2.3 come from?

Example: This book on page 228: https://books.google.com/books?id=gCcSBQAAQBAJ&lpg=PA228&ots=tvZtxC9VW5&dq=diffusivity Q/(2.3RT) where did 2.3 come from&pg=PA228#v=onepage&q=diffusivity Q/(2.3RT) where did 2.3 come from&f=false
 
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It would appear, when it has the ## 2.3 \approx \ln{10} ##, the equation is written as ## D(T)=D_o \cdot 10^{\frac{-Q}{2.3 RT}} ##. Your "links" might contain this info, but it is difficult to scroll through the pages of your "links".
 
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Related to What does the 2.3 constant in e^Q/2.3RT come from?

1. Where does the value of 2.3 come from in the equation e^Q/2.3RT?

The value of 2.3 in the equation e^Q/2.3RT comes from the conversion factor between the units of energy and temperature. In this equation, Q represents the activation energy, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature in Kelvin. The value of 2.3 is derived from the conversion of the gas constant from units of joules per mole Kelvin to units of kilojoules per mole Kelvin.

2. Why is the number 2.3 used specifically in this equation?

The number 2.3 is used in this equation because it is the value of the conversion factor between the gas constant and the units of energy and temperature. This value is commonly used in thermodynamic calculations to convert between different units of measurement.

3. Can the value of 2.3 be replaced with a different number in the equation?

No, the value of 2.3 is a fundamental constant in thermodynamics and cannot be replaced with a different number. It is a necessary factor in the equation to ensure that the units of energy and temperature are consistent.

4. How does the value of 2.3 affect the overall calculation in the equation?

The value of 2.3 affects the overall calculation in the equation by converting the gas constant from units of joules per mole Kelvin to units of kilojoules per mole Kelvin. This conversion factor ensures that the units of energy and temperature are consistent and allows for accurate calculations of thermodynamic properties.

5. Is the value of 2.3 a universal constant in all thermodynamic equations?

No, the value of 2.3 is specific to this particular equation, e^Q/2.3RT. Other thermodynamic equations may use different conversion factors or constants depending on the units being used. It is important to carefully consider the units and constants in each equation to ensure accurate calculations.

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