Science
Activation energy.
Definition
Activation energy (Ea) is the minimum amount of energy that reacting molecules must possess for a chemical reaction to occur. It represents the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to be converted into products.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Striking a match provides the activation energy needed to start combustion of the match head chemicals
- 2 Enzymes in your body lower the activation energy of biochemical reactions, making them occur at body temperature
- 3 A spark plug provides the activation energy to ignite the fuel-air mixture in a car engine
Key Fact
Arrhenius equation: k = Ae^(−Ea/RT); catalysts lower Ea without being consumed.