Answer :
Final answer:
The energy of the reactants in the uncatalyzed reaction remains unchanged when a catalyst is used, despite the lower activation energy required for the catalyzed reaction. so the correct option is C. Remains unchanged
Explanation:
The question pertains to the comparison between the activation energy of an uncatalyzed reaction and a catalyzed reaction. The activation energy for the uncatalyzed reaction A -> C is given as 38.2 kJ/mol, while the activation energy for the catalyzed reaction is only 4.8 kJ/mol. According to the information provided, reactants in both the uncatalyzed and catalyzed reactions start at the same energy level, and the products of the reactions end at the same energy level. The reduction in activation energy due to the catalyst does not change the energy of the reactants or products, but rather, it lowers the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed.