The First Law of Thermodynamics States That

Question

The first law of thermodynamics states that:
A) energy is required to bring molecules into a cell against a concentration gradient.
B) in energy-yielding reactions, matter goes from a more-ordered to a less-ordered state.
C) energy can be neither created nor destroyed.
D) all living organisms must eat to derive energy.

Accepted Answer

The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This means that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant. Choice A is referring to active transport, which is an example of the use of energy, but it is not a statement of the first law of thermodynamics. Choice B is referring to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that entropy (or disorder) increases over time in a closed system. Choice D is incorrect as some living organisms can derive energy from non-food sources such as light (photosynthesis).