[Campbell Biology P.192] Which of the following statements accurately describes the relation... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between the first and second laws of thermodynamics in biological systems, as presented in the text?

  • A: The first law states energy cannot be created or destroyed, while the second law states all energy transformations increase the total energy of the universe.
  • B: The first law explains that energy can be transformed, and the second law explains that some of that transformed energy is always lost as usable energy, increasing disorder.
  • C: Both laws primarily describe the creation of new energy in living organisms.
  • D: The first law focuses on entropy, while the second law focuses on the conservation of energy.

Explanation

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can be transferred and transformed but not created or destroyed. The second law clarifies that during every energy transfer or transformation, some energy is converted to thermal energy and released as heat, increasing the overall entropy disorder of the universe. Option B accurately synthesizes both laws as presented in the text.