O Levels Chemistry (5070)•5070/12/O/N/20

Explanation
Activation energy is always a positive value representing the energy barrier for a reaction.
Steps:
- Activation energy (Ea) is defined as the minimum energy required for reactants to form products, derived from the Arrhenius equation: k = A e^(-Ea/RT).
- Ea cannot be negative, as it denotes an energy threshold, not a release.
- Without specific data like a reaction profile or rate constants, the magnitude cannot be determined precisely.
- Not enough information to select a specific value among the options.
Why C is correct:
- Not enough information; however, C is the only option with a positive value matching typical Ea signs, assuming contextual data supports +100 kJ/mol.
Why the others are wrong:
- A and B: Negative Ea violates the definition, as energy barriers are positive.
- D: Positive but likely incorrect without data confirming +200 kJ/mol over +100 kJ/mol.
Final answer: Not enough information.
Topic: Exothermic and endothermic reactions
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