Final answer:
Active transport requires energy to move molecules against the concentration gradient from an area of lower to higher concentration. Conversely, passive transport moves molecules with the concentration gradient from higher to lower concentration without energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to the student's question is C. energy; against; lower; higher; passive; higher; lower; with; energy. During active transport, molecules move from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration, meaning they move against the concentration gradient. This process requires energy, typically in the form of ATP. Conversely, in passive transport, molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, which aligns with the concentration gradient, and this does not require any energy input.