Given a non-enzymatic reaction, how would you determine the forward rate constant (k1)?

Rate=k[reactants]
k=[reactants (in slow step or rate determining step)]÷rate
[ ]: concentration of

When a bond is formed, the energy is released. Also, it must be supplied when the bond is broken.
In an endothermic reaction, the energy required to break the bond in the reactants must be greater than the energy released forming the bond in the product.
In an exothermic reaction more energy is released in forming  the bonds on the product than is absorbed to break the bonds in the reactants.