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 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 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.

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.

In photosynthesis, energy from sunlight is required to drive the reaction, making it an endothermic process. The starting materials (carbon dioxide and water) have lower energy, and the produced glucose and oxygen are at a higher energy state, which necessitates the input of energy. On the other hand, cellular respiration is exothermic, meaning it releases energy as it converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water, which are at a lower energy state than the products.