Environmental Systems

The video explores environmental systems, using the Aral Sea as an example of system mismanagement. It explains the concepts of matter and energy as closed and open systems, respectively, and discusses the role of atoms and elements in these systems. The video also covers energy quantification, thermodynamics, and the importance of feedback loops in maintaining system stability.

What was the main cause of the Aral Sea's transformation into a desert?

• Inefficient irrigation and mismanagement

• Overfishing

• Natural climate change

• Efficient irrigation practices

Which of the following best describes the Earth's matter system?

• Dynamic system with increasing matter

• Open system with new matter from space

• Closed system with conserved matter

• Open system with matter loss to space

What is the primary element found in both humans and seawater?

• Nitrogen

• Carbon

• Oxygen

• Silicon

Which atom is known for its stability due to having two electrons in its first shell?

• Helium

• Oxygen

• Hydrogen

• Carbon

How is energy quantified according to the video?

• In watts, which is energy per minute

• In joules, which is energy per second

• In joules, which is the ability to do work

• In watts, which is energy per hour

What does the second law of thermodynamics imply about energy conversion?

• Useful energy is lost in every conversion

• Energy is always conserved without loss

• Energy conversion is 100% efficient

• Energy can be created and destroyed

What is a negative feedback loop in the context of environmental systems?

• A process that amplifies changes

• A process that stabilizes a system

• A process that depletes resources

• A process that creates new energy