Chapter 8, Problem 2A

Summary Introduction

To replace:

The italicized word with a correct vocabulary term in the given sentence

Introduction: There are many forms of energy like light energy, mechanical energy, heat energy and chemical energy. Energy can be converted from one form to another. In living organisms, chemical energy is stored in organic compounds and this energy is converted to other forms of energy.

Answer to Problem 2A

The study of the flow and transformation of energy in living organisms is called thermodynamics .

Explanation of Solution

Many chemical reactions and processes, that occurs in our cells uses energy. Macromolecules are being made and broken, substances are transported across cell membranes and genetic instructions are transmitted. All these cellular activities require lot of energy. Thermodynamics is the study of flow and transformation of energy in the universe.

There are two laws of thermodynamics. First law states that energy can be converted from one form to another but it cannot be created or destroyed. This law is called law of conservation of energy. The second law states that energy cannot be converted without the loss of usable energy.