The activation energy of a reaction going on its own is 20 kj. if the reaction was treated with a catalyst, which would most likely represent the amount of energy needed to start a reaction?
15 kj
20 kj
25 kj
30 kj

The new activation energy will likely be 15 kJ. This is because catalysts serve the function of reducing the activation energy of a reaction by providing alternate reaction pathways. These pathways mean that the reaction can proceed more easily and the energy required to initiate the reaction is lower.