Activation energy Flashcards
1
Q
Why might a chemical reaction occur
A
- Particles in gasses and liquids are continually moving
- If they collide a chemical reaction can occur
2
Q
What is one way to increase the speed of a chemical reaction
A
- Raising temperature
- Increases the gas or liquid particles kinetic energy
- Which increases the probability that they will collide
3
Q
What is needed to start a chemical reaction?
A
Energy
4
Q
What is the name given to the energy required to start a chemical reaction
A
- Activation energy
5
Q
What is activation energy
A
- The energy required to start a chemical reaction
6
Q
Why is activation energy required
A
- Activation energy is required to break the existing chemical bonds inside molecules
- To start the chemical reaction
Note to Jamie
Its a bit like pushing a bolder over a hill
You have to supply energy to get it to the top of the hill before you can push it over and it starts to roll down the hill itself.
7
Q
How might Activation energy be supplied
A
- In the form of heat
8
Q
Why would it not be appropriate to use heat for activation energy in the human body
A
- The human body operates optimally at 37.5oC
- If the temperature exceed this it does not operate optimally
9
Q
How do enzymes overcome this problem
A
- The lower the activation energy need to start a chemical reaction allowing reactions to occur within cells at their normal temperature
10
Q
A
11
Q
What are 5 things which influence an enzyme contolled reaction
A
- Temperature
- pH
- Enzyme concentration
- Substrate concentration
- Presence of Co factors
- Presence of inhibitors
