Determine and explain which of the following reactions is more rapid: reaction A with E_act = 10.5 kJ/mol (2.50 kcal/mol) or reaction B with  E_act = 20.9 kJ/mol (5.00 kcal/mol).

• A. Reaction A is more rapid than Reaction B because less energy is required to overcome the energy barrier for the reaction to proceed.
• B. Reaction A is more rapid than Reaction B because more energy is required to overcome the energy barrier for the reaction to proceed.
• C. Reaction B is more rapid than Reaction A because less energy is required to overcome the energy barrier for the reaction to proceed.
• D. Reaction B is more rapid than Reaction A because more energy is required to overcome the energy barrier for the reaction to proceed.

Answer: (A)