Question

during photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water react to produce glucose and oxygen. which statement explains why photosynthesis is classified as an endothermic reaction? (1 point)
the products and reactants have the same amount of potential energy.
the reaction requires a catalyst.
the activation energy of the reaction is positive.
the reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings.

Explanation:

To determine why photosynthesis is endothermic, recall the definition of endothermic reactions: they absorb energy from the surroundings.

• The first option is incorrect because in endothermic reactions, products have more potential energy than reactants.
• The second option is incorrect as catalysts speed up reactions but don't define if a reaction is endothermic.
• The third option is incorrect because all reactions have positive activation energy (the energy needed to start the reaction), which doesn't determine if it's endothermic.
• The fourth option is correct because endothermic reactions absorb energy from the surroundings, and photosynthesis uses light energy (from surroundings) to convert CO₂ and H₂O to glucose and O₂.

Answer:

The reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings.