What is an intuitive explanation for the exponential form $\exp(-\Delta E/(kT))$ in the Arrhenius equation? While I know the reaction rate theory, I am puzzled by the origins of the form of the equation, esp. the exponential form. Please give references if any.

Today, I noticed two okay questions, which are quite reasonable student-level questions, and they are downvoted. I understand that there is at least one habitual downvoter who consistently downvotes and rarely writes an answer. That gentleman himself acknowledged this in chat that he downvotes a ...