Energy for Life 1:1

Question 1

Albedo

Answer 1

How much a surface reflects light; due to the colour of the surface. High albedo: lighter objects, less is absorbed such as snow.
Low albedo: darker objects, more is absorbed. tree canopies

Question 2

Define equilibrium

Answer 2

the state of equilibrium refers to the balance in an ecosystem. The overfuntions balance out to no-net charge overtime.

Question 3

Equation for photosynthesis

Answer 3

Light energy + 6H20(l) + 6CO2(g) ——-> O6H12C6(s) + 6O2

Question 4

Equation for cellular respiration

Answer 4

6O2(g) + O6H12C6(s) ———–> Energy + 6H2O + 6CO2

Question 5

The limiting factors of photosynthesis

Answer 5

1. Light. Limits the LIGHT DEPENDANT REACTION. Less light means less light absorbed by chloroplasts, resulting in fewer electrons ‘excited’
2. CO2. Limts the LIGHT INDEPENDANT REACTION. without CO2 not enough for RuBP to produce GH3
3. Temperature. Limits the LIGHT INDEPENDANT REACTION.
   Too hot: causes enzymes to denature
   Too cold: causes electrons to slown down, slowing the process

There is always going to be a limiting factor unless the environmental condition are virtually flawless for the plant.

Question 6

Energy flow and the “Rule of 10”

Answer 6

The first law of thermodynamics states energy cannot be destroyed or created on exchanged. When this is applied to tropic levels, energy moves up the tropic levels. Decreasing every at every level. 80-95% of energy is lost as either heat to the environment or waste in cellular respiration. The rule of 10 implies that 10% of energy is lost as you move up the tropic hireachy.