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Define activation energy (Ea) as the minimum energy required for colliding particles to undergo a reaction.

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Cambridge IGCSE ChemistryChemical energeticsSupplement content

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Define activation energy (Ea) as the minimum energy required for colliding particles to undergo a reaction

This point belongs to Exothermic and endothermic reactions, especially Exothermic and endothermic reactions outcomes.
You need to be able to define activation energy (Ea) as the minimum energy required for colliding particles to undergo a reaction.
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Define

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

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Paper 4 structured question: Exothermic and endothermic reactions

Paper 4Theory (Extended)1 marks

Description

Activation Energy

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for colliding particles to undergo a reaction. It plays a crucial role in determining the rate of chemical reactions.

a
State the definition of activation energy.
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Related learning objectives

Identify that an exothermic reaction releases thermal energy to the environment, resulting in a rise in the temperature of the surroundings.
Exothermic and endothermic reactions outcomes
Identify that an endothermic reaction absorbs thermal energy from the environment, causing a drop in the temperature of the surroundings.
Exothermic and endothermic reactions outcomes
Analyze reaction pathway diagrams that illustrate both exothermic and endothermic reactions.
Exothermic and endothermic reactions outcomes
Recognize that the change in thermal energy during a reaction is termed the enthalpy change (H), where H is negative for exothermic reactions and positive for endothermic reactions.
Exothermic and endothermic reactions outcomes
Create and label reaction pathway diagrams for exothermic and endothermic reactions based on provided information, including reactants, products, enthalpy change (H), and activation energy (Ea).
Exothermic and endothermic reactions outcomes

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