Class 11 · Biomolecules

Activation Energy and Reaction Types — NEET Biology

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The y-axis represents the potential energy content. The x-axis represents the progression of the structural transformation or states through the 'transition state'. You would notice two things. The energy level difference between S and P. If 'P' is at a lower level than 'S', the reaction is an exothermic reaction. One need not supply energy (by heating) in order to form the product. However, whether it is an exothermic or spontaneous reaction or an endothermic or energy requiring reaction, the 'S' has to go through a much higher energy state or transition state. The difference in average energy content of 'S' from that of this transition state is called 'activation energy'.

🖼️Related NCERT figure: A graph showing activation energy concept with two curves (with and without enzyme). The y-axis shows potential energy and x-axis shows progress of reaction. The graph illustrates substrate (S) transitioning through a higher energy transition state to reach product (P), with arrows indicating activation energy with and without enzyme. (Figure 9.4 Concept of activation energy)
NCERT Biology · Class 11 · Chapter 9 · Paragraph 38
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Assertion (A): All chemical reactions require activation energy to proceed regardless of their energy balance. Reason (R): Both exothermic and endothermic reactions need energy input to reach the transition state.

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