Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Potential energy is stored energy available to do work, while kinetic energy is the energy of motion.

Question 2

A spring being released and expanding rapidly is an example of which type of energy transformation?

Accepted Answer

Potential energy being converted to kinetic energy.

Question 3

In the context of thermodynamics, what is the 'system' when studying photosynthesis in a plant leaf?

Accepted Answer

The plant leaf itself.

Question 4

Which of the following statements correctly describes the first law of thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

Energy can be transferred and transformed, but cannot be created or destroyed.

Question 5

If a chemical reaction in a cell requires an input of energy, which type of reaction is it?

Accepted Answer

Endergonic reaction

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why entropy increases in the universe according to the second law of thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

Some energy is always lost as heat, increasing disorder.

Question 7

A glucose molecule is broken down during cellular respiration. What type of reaction is this, and what happens to the energy?

Accepted Answer

Exergonic; energy is released.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an example of a biological system?

Accepted Answer

A sealed glass jar with no exchange of energy or mass.

Question 9

Which of the following images has less entropy, assuming the particles are more ordered?

Accepted Answer

Image A has less entropy.

Question 10

When a cell uses chemical energy to power movement, what happens to the heat generated?

Accepted Answer

It is lost to the environment.

Question 11

Which of the following statements is true regarding how energy moves up the food chain?

Accepted Answer

Some energy is lost as heat at each step, so not all energy is transferred.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a form of kinetic energy?

Accepted Answer

When the temperature of a substance rises causing the molecules of that substance to move faster.

Question 13

Which equation best represents the first law of thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta E = Q + W$$

Question 14

A chemical reaction that releases energy to the surroundings is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Exergonic

Question 15

Which of the following statements is true for all exergonic reactions?

Accepted Answer

The reaction proceeds with a net loss of free energy.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes entropy ($$S) in a $$biological system?

Accepted Answer

Entropy is the measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

Question 17

During a chemical reaction, the reactants are:

Accepted Answer

The material that undergoes change in the reaction.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of potential energy in a biological context?

Accepted Answer

A glucose molecule.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the second law of thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

100% efficient energy conversion is impossible since some energy is lost as heat.

Question 20

Which formula represents the relationship between entropy ($$S$$), Boltzmann's constant ($$k$$), and the number of microstates ($$W$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$S = k \ln W$$

Energy, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Reactions in Biology: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions