Why is ATP Thermodynamically unstable, yet kinetically stable?

Question

Why is ATP Thermodynamically unstable, yet kinetically stable?

Answer 1

Just because a molecule can spontaneously react does not mean it will do so at any appreciable rate.  This is due to the energy of activation.  If there is not enough energy to overcome that little hill, then the reaction will not proceed.  For example, I can mix in a single container both hydrogen and oxygen gas, then store that container for years without any appreciable reaction.  But a single spark will create enough energy to start a chain reaction.  

The activation energy is the reason why biological systems require enzymes (catalysts) for the reactions to occur at a rate that can sustain life.  Catalysts lower the activation energy and speed up the rate by creating more molecules that have the energy to react.  

Answer 2

Thermodynamics is the energy stored in a molecule. Kinetic energy is energy of motion.

You sholuld think of thermodynamics and kinetics as two different worlds. Mechnisms work in either the realm of thermodynamics or the realm of kinetics. Not both.

ATP is thermodynamically unstable, it is a high energy molecule, it wants to move from its high energy state to a lower energy state (the rule of the universe: high to low, order to disorder). They say that since ATP wants to move from ATP (high) to ADP (low) this reaction is spontaneous.

ATP is kinetically stable in that it will take some kinetic energy (energy of motion) to get this raction going faster from high energy state to lower energy state.

BUT! kinetic energy will not change the fact that ATP to ADP is a spontaneous reaction. And will happen dispite kinetics, even if it takes longer.