The activation energy of a reaction is best described as:
AThe minimum extra energy that colliding reactant molecules must possess (above their average energy) to form the activated complex / cross the energy barrier
BThe energy difference between products and reactants
CThe energy required only at very high temperatures
DThe total kinetic energy of the molecules
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. The minimum extra energy that colliding reactant molecules must possess (above their average energy) to form the activated complex / cross the energy barrier
**E_a** = the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to become products via the activated complex (transition state). Higher E_a → slower reaction at a given T. ΔH of reaction is independent of E_a.
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