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When a reaction is taking place, only molecules with energy equal to or greater than the activation energy and correct geometric alignment will then be able to react, while other molecules, with only either one of the criteria or perhaps none, can do nothing but just sit back and wait... Wait... Wait... Hoping that somehow, energy from its surroundings is added sufficiently and/or another molecule approaches them in the correct orientation, and/or perhaps some divine help--a catalyst is available to assist them... ... ...