Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Activation energy is the difference between the energy level of substrate and its transition state.
Statement II: Enzymes increase the activation energy enhancing the rate of reaction.

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Hint:

Catalyst = Energy Shortcut. They always make the "hill" smaller (lower $E_a$).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept
Enzymes act as biological catalysts by lowering the energy barrier of a reaction.

Step 2: Meaning
Activation energy ($E_a$) is the minimum energy required to reach the unstable transition state.

Step 3: Analysis
Statement I correctly defines $E_a$ as the energy gap between substrate and transition state. Statement II is false because enzymes decrease (lower) the activation energy to speed up reactions, they do not increase it.

Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, I is true and II is false. Final Answer: (C)