Activation energy is like the spark that starts a chemical reaction.

Think about trying to light a campfire. You need a little bit of heat to get the wood burning.

Here’s how this idea works in chemical reactions:

• What is Activation Energy? Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy needed for the starting materials (called reactants) to change into new substances (called products).

• Why is it Important? This energy helps to push past the energy barrier so that the reaction can begin.

• Types of Reactions:

  • In an endothermic reaction, energy is taken in, or absorbed, to get things going.
  • In an exothermic reaction, energy is released after the reaction starts.

Whether energy is absorbed or released, getting over this energy barrier is really important!