The energy required to start a reaction is the:

a
activation energy
b
start up energy
c
exothermic energy
d
endothermic energy

a) activation energy

The correct answer is:

a) activation energy

The energy required to start a reaction is called the activation energy. To answer this question, we need to have a basic understanding of chemical reactions and their energy profiles.

Chemical reactions involve the breaking and formation of chemical bonds. In order for a reaction to occur, a certain amount of energy must be supplied to break the existing bonds and initiate the formation of new bonds. This initial energy barrier is known as the activation energy.

Option (a) "activation energy" is the correct answer. It represents the energy required to start a reaction.

Option (b) "start up energy" is not a relevant term in this context.

Option (c) "exothermic energy" refers to the energy released during a chemical reaction, not the energy required to start it.

Option (d) "endothermic energy" refers to the energy absorbed during a chemical reaction, not the energy required to start it.

Therefore, the correct answer is (a) activation energy.