 Pre-exponential factor

The pre-exponential factor multiplies the exponential function in the Arrhenius equation. It has the same units as the rate constant, so for a first-order reaction both have units ${\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. Its physical interpretation depends on the reaction mechanism; an assumed constant $A$ should not be identified with a universal collision frequency. Comparing activation energies alone does not rank absolute rate constants when the pre-exponential factors differ. See the pre-exponential factor.

The pre-exponential factor, also known as the frequency factor or Arrhenius constant, is a term that appears in the Arrhenius equation, which describes the temperature dependence of reaction rates in chemical kinetics.