Question 1

Which of the following best describes the First Law of Thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

Energy can be transferred or transformed, but never created or destroyed.

Question 2

A bear eats a fish and uses the chemical energy for movement, releasing heat and $$\mathrm{CO_2$}. $$Which law of thermodynamics does this scenario best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Question 3

Which of the following statements about entropy is correct?

Accepted Answer

Entropy increases in every energy transfer or transformation.

Question 4

A closed system, such as coffee in a good thermos, is unable to exchange which of the following with its surroundings?

Accepted Answer

Both energy and matter

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and temperature?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S$$

Question 6

For a reaction to be spontaneous, what must be true about $$\Delta G$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta G$$ must be negative

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a spontaneous process?

Accepted Answer

A process that, by itself, leads to an increase in entropy.

Question 8

If a cell reaches metabolic equilibrium, what is the likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will die.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a correct statement about open and closed systems?

Accepted Answer

Closed systems can exchange energy but not matter with their surroundings.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a spontaneous process?

Accepted Answer

The breakdown of glucose in cellular respiration.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why organisms cannot reuse their own energy completely?

Accepted Answer

Some energy is always converted to thermal energy and released as heat.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the Second Law of Thermodynamics is correct?

Accepted Answer

Every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy of the universe.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about equilibrium in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Cells must avoid equilibrium to remain alive.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct definition of 'system' in thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

The collection of matter under study.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct definition of 'surroundings' in thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

Literally everything else outside the system.

Question 16

Which of the following is true about the principle of conservation of energy?

Accepted Answer

Energy can be transferred or transformed, but never created or destroyed.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a nonspontaneous process?

Accepted Answer

A process that requires input of energy to occur.

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the relationship between stability and free energy ($$G$$)?

Accepted Answer

Systems with lower $$G$$ are more stable.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a correct statement about spontaneous processes?

Accepted Answer

They always occur rapidly.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about the universe according to the laws of thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

The total energy of the universe is constant.

Laws of Thermodynamics and Energy Transformation in Biology

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