Learning objective

Define activation energy as the minimum energy particles need to react.

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At a glance

5

Flashcards

7

Questions

Topic

Exothermic and endothermic reactions

Subtopic

Reaction profiles

AQA GCSE ChemistryEnergy changes

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Short explanation

In the subtopic Reaction profiles, this learning objective focuses on define activation energy as the minimum energy particles need to react. It belongs to Exothermic and endothermic reactions in AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 Unit 4.5 Energy changes, so the explanation must stay inside energy-transfer, reaction-profile, cell, fuel-cell, exothermic, endothermic, activation-energy or bond-energy context as appropriate. Approved keywords to use include activation energy. Activation energy. means the minimum energy particles need to react Avoid the mistake of students often confuse activation energy with the overall energy change of a reaction; instead, remember that activation energy is the minimum energy required for particles to react, while overall energy change refers to the difference in energy between reactants and products For exam answers, remember that activation energy is the minimum energy required for particles to react. Make sure to define it clearly in your answers

Key concepts

Activation energyReaction profile

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Reaction profiles to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Exothermic and endothermic reactions.

Common mistakes

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  • Confusing Activation Energy: Remember that activation energy is the minimum energy required for particles to react, while overall energy change refers to the difference in energy between reactants and products.

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