Activation Energy: The minimum energy that molecules must possess for an interaction between them to result in a successful collision and the formation of products.

Activation energy depends on the reaction in question.

The use of a catalyst lowers the activation energy for a reaction.

Successful collision: A collision where molecules have the correct orientation and sufficient kinetic energy to break bonds. Successful collisions lead to the formation of products. However, the vast majority of collisions are unsuccessful.

Energy Changes