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)

Responses

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 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 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.

1 answer

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.

This is because photosynthesis is an endothermic process that requires light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. In this case, the reactants have a lower energy state compared to the products, necessitating an input of energy to drive the reaction. In cellular respiration, on the other hand, energy is released as the process converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water, with the products being at a lower energy state than the reactants, indicating that it requires a smaller activation energy.