Which best describes activation energy?A. the maximum amount of energy required to end a chemical reactionB. the amount of energy absorbed in an endothermic reactionC. the minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reactionD. the amount of energy released in an exothermic reaction

Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for a chemical reaction to proceed. It is the minimum energy needed to initiate the reaction. Therefore, option C best describes activation energy.

Supplemental Knowledge:

Chemical kinetics is the study of chemical reaction rates. An activation energy refers to the minimum energy threshold that reactant molecules need in order for reactions to occur, or overcome an energy barrier for transformation from reactants into products to occur. Understanding activation energy plays an integral part in controlling reaction rates - something essential in industrial processes, biological systems and everyday chemical interactions.

Consider striking a match. When striking it, friction creates the activation energy required for its chemicals to ignite and start burning, providing it with enough spark to start its journey down its pathway towards combustion.

Life in Context:

Think about cooking food on a stove: when you heat a pan with energy to increase its contents' temperatures, this adds heat and provides activation energy that allows chemical reactions such as caramelization or protein denaturation to occur. Without sufficient activation energy (heat) these reactions wouldn't happen and your meal wouldn't cook evenly.

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