Systems and Thermodynamics Introduction

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a characteristic of a system that distinguishes it from its surroundings?

• A defined boundary

• Lack of subsystems

• Random interactions

• Absence of cause and effect

Multiple Choice

Which terms describe the storage and movement of matter and energy within a system?

• Transformation

• Cause and effect

• Reservoirs and flux

• Model representation

Multiple Choice

Within a system matter and energy are transformed and cycled by...

• Boundaries

• Inputs and outputs

• Reservoirs and flux

• Internal system processes

Multiple Choice

All matter contains energy

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

What kind of energy is almost always generated when an energy transformation happened?

• Chemical energy

• Thermal energy (heat)

• Mechanical energy

• Sound energy

Multiple Choice

What is the energy input for this system?

• heat

• inorganics

• nutrients

• solar energy

Multiple Choice

What is the energy output for this system?

• heat

• inorganics

• nutrients

• solar energy

Multiple Choice

What governs the flow and behavior of energy in Earth systems?

• The laws of gravity

• The laws of relativity

• The laws of magnetism

• The laws of thermodynamics

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an example of a matter cycle in Earth's systems?

• Phosphorus cycle

• Carbon cycle

• Nitrogen cycle

• Heat release

Multiple Choice

Why are living things, including humans, considered open systems?

• Because they have philosophical attributes

• Because they only exchange energy with the environment

• Because they exchange both matter and energy with their environment

• Because they are not governed by the laws of physics

Multiple Choice

What form of energy is chemical energy and where is it stored?

• Kinetic; inside atoms

• Kinetic; in the chemical bonds between atoms

• Potential; inside atoms

• Potential; in the chemical bonds between atoms

Multiple Choice

What is the primary difference between an open system and a closed system in thermodynamics?

• Open systems can exchange energy with their surroundings, while closed systems can exchange both energy and matter.

• Open systems can exchange both energy and matter with their surroundings, while closed systems can only exchange energy.

• Open systems cannot exchange energy with their surroundings, while closed systems can exchange both energy and matter.

• Open systems cannot exchange either energy or matter with their surroundings, while closed systems can exchange energy.

Multiple Choice

What kind of system would the terrarium (glass jar) be from the video we watched in class?

• Open System

• Closed System

• Isolated System

Multiple Choice

What is the primary source of energy input for Earth when studying it as a whole?

• Geothermal heat

• Energy from the sun and space

• Heat from Earth's core

• Energy from ocean currents

Multiple Choice

What does Earth primarily output to space to maintain an overall steady-state with respect to energy?

• Solar radiation

• Heat and reflected light

• Earth's magnetic field

• Oxygen and nitrogen

Multiple Choice

In terms of matter, what are the exceptions to Earth being considered a closed system?

• Frequent exchanges of large particles with other celestial bodies

• Continuous exchanges of gases like oxygen and nitrogen with space

• Occasional entry and exit of meteors and small amounts of hydrogen

• Rare, but significant, import and export of water from Earth's surface

Multiple Choice

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

• Energy can be created from nothing.

• Energy can be destroyed completely.

• Energy can change forms or be transferred but is never created or destroyed.

• Energy is constantly increasing in the universe.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a correct representation of the first law of thermodynamics

• 10,000J light = 7500J chemical energy + 3,000 J heat

• 10,000J light = 8,000J chemical energy + 2,000 J heat

• 10,000J light = 4,000J chemical energy + 8,000 J heat

• 10,000J light = 4,000J chemical energy + 8,000 J heat

Multiple Choice

What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics state regarding energy transformations?

• All energy transformations are 100% efficient.

• Energy can be transformed into other types of energy with perfect efficiency.

• Some amount of useful energy is converted into less useful thermal energy (heat) in every real-world energy transformation.

• The total amount of energy in the universe is constantly increasing.

Multiple Choice

In the context of energy conversions in the human body during activities like walking, why is the process often described as having low efficiency?

• Because the body efficiently converts all energy to kinetic energy.

• Because a large fraction of the energy from fuel sources is transformed into heat, making it less useful for work.

• Because the body efficiently converts all energy to potential energy.

• Because energy is transformed without any loss in the process.