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Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the ultimate source of energy for most living things on Earth, and what process primarily captures this energy?
Which of the following best describes the ultimate source of energy for most living things on Earth, and what process primarily captures this energy?
- Geothermal vents; chemosynthesis
- The sun; photosynthesis (correct)
- The Earth's core; radioactive decay
- The moon; tidal energy
Approximately what percentage of the sun's energy that reaches the Earth is captured by plants?
Approximately what percentage of the sun's energy that reaches the Earth is captured by plants?
- 70%
- 1% (correct)
- 30%
- 90%
During nuclear fusion in the sun's core, hydrogen is converted into helium. What fundamental principle explains the energy released in this process?
During nuclear fusion in the sun's core, hydrogen is converted into helium. What fundamental principle explains the energy released in this process?
- The Law of Entropy
- The Second Law of Thermodynamics
- Einstein's mass-energy equivalence ($E=mc^2$) (correct)
- The First Law of Thermodynamics
What is the most accurate definition of energy in a biological context?
What is the most accurate definition of energy in a biological context?
According to the First Law of Thermodynamics, which statement is correct regarding energy in an isolated system?
According to the First Law of Thermodynamics, which statement is correct regarding energy in an isolated system?
The Second Law of Thermodynamics introduces the concept of entropy. Which of the following statements accurately describes the implications of this law for the universe?
The Second Law of Thermodynamics introduces the concept of entropy. Which of the following statements accurately describes the implications of this law for the universe?
In energy transfer within an ecosystem, approximately what percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?
In energy transfer within an ecosystem, approximately what percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?
Why are energy conversions considered imperfect, and what form of energy is typically lost during these conversions?
Why are energy conversions considered imperfect, and what form of energy is typically lost during these conversions?
Flashcards
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
The process of converting light energy into chemical energy (sugars).
Chemosynthesis
Chemosynthesis
The synthesis of organic compounds by bacteria or other living organisms using energy derived from reactions involving inorganic chemicals, typically in the absence of sunlight.
Energy
Energy
The capacity to do work; exists in potential and kinetic forms.
Potential Energy
Potential Energy
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Kinetic Energy
Kinetic Energy
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1st Law of Thermodynamics
1st Law of Thermodynamics
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2nd Law of Thermodynamics
2nd Law of Thermodynamics
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Endergonic Reaction
Endergonic Reaction
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Study Notes
- All living things require energy, primarily from the sun.
- Photosynthesis and chemosynthesis are processes that provide energy.
Energy Conversions
- Approximately 1% of the sun's energy gets captured by plants.
- Approximately 30% of the sun's energy is reflected back into space.
- Approximately 70% is absorbed by land, oceans, and the atmosphere, and mostly transformed into heat.
Energy from the Sun
- Nuclear fusion within the sun's core converts hydrogen to helium and mass to energy.
Conversions
- Life relies on the sun's energy which gets converted into forms usable for life, like photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
- Photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
- Respiration: C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy
- Fermentation: C6H12O6 -> 2CH3CH2OH + 2CO2 + Energy, occurs in yeast, bacteria, and O2-starved muscle cells.
Energy Defined
- Energy is the capacity to do work.
- Work involves moving matter against an opposing force.
Energy Forms
- Energy can be in two forms: potential and kinetic..
- Potential energy is stored energy.
- Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, including heat and light.
Thermodynamics
- Thermodynamics is the study of energy.
- The laws of thermodynamics are fundamental principles of energy
1st Law of Thermodynamics
- Energy is never created or destroyed, only transformed.
- The energy of an isolated system remains constant.
2nd Law of Thermodynamics
- Energy transfer results in a greater amount of disorder (entropy) in the universe.
- Entropy is always increasing in the universe.
Energy Flow
- Energy flows through ecosystems in one direction, but conversions are imperfect.
- Some energy is always lost as heat, which is the least usable form of kinetic energy
- About 75% of energy in gas is lost as heat.
Endergonic Reactions
- Endergonic reactions require energy.
- They are not spontaneous and involve absorbing energy, for example, monomer + monomer + energy -> polymer.
- The linkage of simple sugars to form complex carbohydrates is endergonic.
Exergonic Reactions
- Exergonic reactions release energy.
- Breakdown of complex carbohydrate to simple sugars is exergonic and releases energy.
Metabolism Types
- Catabolic pathways involve breaking things apart.
- Anabolic pathways involve building things.
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Description
Explore how energy from the sun gets converted into various forms through photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and cellular respiration. Understand the critical role of energy in sustaining life, including processes like fermentation. Learn about the efficiency of energy capture and the different forms energy can take.
