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

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.

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.

3 answers

In the context of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, the concepts of activation energy and energy states of reactants and products play crucial roles in understanding these processes.

  1. Photosynthesis is the process where light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is endothermic, meaning it requires an input of energy, specifically in the form of sunlight. Since the products (glucose and oxygen) are at a higher energy state than the reactants (carbon dioxide and water), photosynthesis typically has a higher activation energy requirement because energy must be invested to drive the reaction forward.

  2. Cellular respiration is the process by which glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the form of ATP. This process is exothermic, meaning it releases energy. Here, the products (carbon dioxide and water) are at a lower energy state than the reactants (glucose and oxygen), and it generally requires a smaller amount of activation energy to initiate the reaction as you are moving towards a more stable, lower energy state.

Considering these explanations, the accurate comparison of activation energies would be:

  • Photosynthesis needs a higher amount of energy to activate the reaction because the products are at a higher 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.

In summary, the best option based on the above reasoning is:

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

It seems there are no provided options specifically stating this. If you must choose from the given options, then simply note that the specific aspect of energy states was slightly misrepresented. However, from your options, Photosynthesis needs a higher amount of energy to activate the reaction is the correct sentiment, even if it is not an exact match.

what is the answer

Based on the context of cellular respiration and photosynthesis regarding activation energy and energy states, the correct answer among the given options would be:

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

This option correctly reflects that photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction requiring more energy input to convert reactants into products, which are at a higher energy state.

If we consider cellular respiration, it would need a smaller activation energy since it is exothermic, as the products are at a lower energy state than the reactants. However, this detail is not included in the options.