Activation energy — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- The extra energy needed to get a reaction started, even one that will end up releasing energy overall. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
- The energy needed to get a chemical reaction started. (Life Science: Biology)
Where it is taught
- Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions — Chemistry, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
- Enzymes — Investigating the Chemistry of Life, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
In use
Every reaction needs a starting push — a hump of activation energy it has to get over before it can proceed, the way a boulder needs a shove to get rolling over a hill, or kindling needs a match to catch.
Enzymes
Taught alongside
- exothermic reaction
- endothermic reaction
- model
- evidence
- system boundary
- assumption
- enzyme
- catalyst
- substrate
- active site
- denature
- ribozyme