Question

Which best describes activation energy?

the maximum amount of energy required to end a chemical reaction
the amount of energy absorbed in an endothermic reaction
the minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction
the amount of energy released in an exothermic reaction

Answer 1

The best description of activation energy is:

**the minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction.**

Activation energy is the energy needed to break the bonds in the reactants to initiate the reaction, allowing the transformation into products.