Provide an example of the activation energy of different reactions and their rate.

The activation energy of a reaction determines its rate. For example, photosynthesis has a high activation energy, resulting in a slow rate.

Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Reactions with a high activation energy require more energy to start, resulting in a slower rate. Photosynthesis is an example of a reaction with a high activation energy. This process involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, which is used to produce glucose. The energy required to break the bonds in water and carbon dioxide and form new bonds in glucose is high, resulting in a slow rate of photosynthesis.

In contrast, reactions with a low activation energy require less energy to start, resulting in a faster rate. For example, the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water has a low activation energy, resulting in a fast rate. This reaction releases a large amount of energy, which is why it is used as a fuel in rockets.

Enzymes can also lower the activation energy of a reaction, resulting in a faster rate. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows reactions to occur at a faster rate, which is essential for many biological processes. For example, the enzyme amylase catalyses the breakdown of starch into glucose, which is an essential process in digestion.