Cellular respiration is an exothermic reaction and photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction. How does the required activation energy compare for these two reactions?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Photosynthesis needs a smaller amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.
Photosynthesis needs a smaller amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.

Photosynthesis needs a higher amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.
Photosynthesis needs a higher amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.

Cellular respiration needs a higher amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.
Cellular respiration needs a higher amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.

Cellular respiration needs a smaller amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Photosynthesis needs a higher amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.

Explanation: In photosynthesis, the reactants (carbon dioxide and water) are converted into glucose and oxygen, which are at a higher energy state. Therefore, to drive this endothermic reaction, a significant amount of energy (usually from sunlight) is required to overcome the activation energy barrier. In contrast, cellular respiration is an exothermic reaction where glucose is broken down into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy because the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants.