Final answer:
In the reaction between malonic acid and potassium permanganate, the activation energy can be lowered by the use of a catalyst, specifically manganese dioxide. Manganese dioxide provides a lower energy pathway for the reaction, effectively enhancing its rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a chemical reaction, the term activation energy refers to the minimum energy required to commence a reaction. Specifying the reaction between malonic acid and potassium permanganate, a commonly employed catalyst that can lower the activation energy of this reaction is manganese dioxide (MnO2). When MnO2 is introduced into the reaction, it provides an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy, which enhances the rate of the reaction. In fact, the MnO2 works by reducing the potassium permanganate (KMnO4) into MnO2. This process decreases the activation energy, enabling the reaction to occur more swiftly.
Learn more about Activation Energy