L2 Law Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?
Energy is neither created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another.
This law implies that the total energy in an isolated system remains constant.
How does photosynthesis relate to the First Law of Thermodynamics?
Photosynthesis converts solar energy into ATP, driving the formation of simple sugars.
This process exemplifies energy transformation in living organisms.
What happens to energy in the food chain according to the First Law?
Energy is lost through waste heat as organisms live and die.
This energy is released back into the environment.
What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics state?
Energy transformation is not 100% efficient; part of high-quality energy is converted to thermal energy.
This results in disorganized motion of molecules.
Define entropy in the context of the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Entropy refers to the transformation of matter and energy from an organized to a more random, disorganized state.
Living systems tend to move from a state of entropy to orderliness.
What is a nutrient cycle?
The path of an element from one organism to another, and from organisms into the nonliving part of the biosphere and back.
Nutrient cycles are also known as biogeochemical cycles.
List the main elements involved in nutrient cycling.
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
These elements make up 97% of the mass of our bodies and over 95% of all living organisms.
What characterizes a perfect nutrient cycle?
Nutrients are replaced as fast as they are utilized.
Most gaseous cycles are generally considered perfect cycles.
What is the hydrologic cycle?
The continuous movement of water in the air, on the surface of, and below the Earth.
This cycle exchanges energy which influences climate.
What processes are involved in the hydrologic cycle?
- Condensation
- Deposition
- Evaporation
- Percolation
- Precipitation
- Sublimation
- Transpiration
Each process plays a role in the movement of water in various states.
What is evaporation?
The transformation of water from liquid to gas phases as it moves into the atmosphere.
Solar radiation is the primary energy source for evaporation.
What is transpiration?
The release of water vapor from plants into the air.
It is a key component of the water cycle.
What is the carbon cycle?
The continuous exchange of carbon between the atmosphere and organisms.
Carbon is essential for life on Earth.
How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?
Plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and store carbon as food.
This carbon is transferred to animals when they consume plants.
What is nitrogen fixation?
The conversion of atmospheric N2 into ammonia (NH3).
This is the first step of the nitrogen cycle.
Name two types of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- Free-living Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
- Symbiotic Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria
Free-living bacteria exist independently, while symbiotic bacteria live in association with plants.
What is ammonification?
The process of releasing ammonia by certain microorganisms from organic remains.
This process occurs during the decomposition of dead organisms.
What is nitrification?
The enzymatic oxidation of ammonia to nitrate by certain microorganisms.
Key bacteria involved include Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter.
What is the phosphorus cycle?
The circulation of phosphorus among rocks, soils, water, and living organisms.
It is the slowest of the matter cycles.
What human activities significantly impact the phosphorus cycle?
- Use of fertilizers
- Distribution of food products
- Artificial eutrophication
These activities can lead to excessive growth of algae in water bodies.
What is the sulfur cycle?
The circulation of sulfur through the environment, primarily in soil and sediments.
It involves the conversion of sulfur into sulfate which is utilized by plants.
What natural sources emit sulfur into the atmosphere?
- Volcanic eruptions
- Breakdown of organic matter
- Evaporation of water
These sources contribute to the sulfur cycle and its availability in ecosystems.
Evaporation often implicitly includes transpiration from plants.
Evapotranspiration
liquid to gas
evaporation
