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.

Cellular respiration needs a smaller 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.

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.

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.

Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction where light energy is absorbed to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, thus requiring a higher activation energy. In contrast, cellular respiration is an exothermic reaction, where the breakdown of glucose releases energy, and therefore has a lower activation energy relative to the energy required for photosynthesis.