Which phrase describes an activated complex?

A.

high-energy and unstable

B.

high-energy and stable

C.

low-energy and stable

D.

low-energy and unstable

A) high-energy and unstable

Explanation:

In chemical reactions, reactants interact via collisions to form products. The state that is in between the reactants and products is called the activated complex. It is essentially an unstable structure or a short lived intermediate that exist at the peak of the activation energy barrier.

Therefore, an activated complex is high in energy and unstable.

A.

high-energy and unstable