Though activation energy is just a mathematical term, what is this Term actually describing? In other words, what is happening at the molecular level when the activation energy for a given reaction is reached? Can u help me but keep it short and simple.

Biochemistry
6th Edition
ISBN:9781305577206
Author:Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Chapter20: Electron Transport And Oxidative Phosphorylation
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Though activation energy is just a mathematical term, what is this Term actually describing? In other words, what is happening at the molecular level when the activation energy for a given reaction is reached? Can u help me but keep it short and simple.
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Activation energy:  The activation energy is the minimum energy barrier that is required by the reactants to be converted into the products.

If we look at the molecular level this can be understood as, if a reaction is not spontaneous, the reactant molecules in a reaction would not convert into products instantly, first they need to have enough energy(activation energy).

In order to reach the activation energy we add a chemical substance called a catalyst in the reaction, this substance decreases the minimum energy barrier or activation energy for the reaction, and the reaction proceeds easily.

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