Question detail
In a reaction profile, what does the activation energy represent?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Exothermic and endothermic reactions
Question
- A. The energy of the products
- B. The energy of the reactants
- C. The energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to occur
- D. The overall energy change of the reaction
Answer
The energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to occur
Explanation
Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reactants to be converted into products.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Activation Energy
Students often confuse activation energy with the overall energy change of the reaction, thinking they are the same.
Remember that activation energy is the minimum energy required for reactants to collide and react, while the overall energy change refers to the difference in energy between reactants and products.
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