Which of the following is true regarding Energy 1) Energy cannot be created or destroyed. 2) Potential energy is the energy of motion 3) Chemical bonds store kinetic energy 4) non-spontaneous reactions are exergonic
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct statement is:
- Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
Explanation:
Energy is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry that refers to the capacity to do work or produce change. According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another or transferred between objects. This principle is central to all physical sciences and is often called the first law of thermodynamics. For example, in a closed system, the total energy remains constant, although it may change form, such as from potential energy to kinetic energy or from chemical energy to thermal energy.
Regarding the other options:
Potential energy is not the energy of motion. Instead, potential energy is stored energy based on an object’s position or configuration. For instance, an object held at a height has gravitational potential energy because of its position relative to the ground. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, which depends on the mass and velocity of an object.
Chemical bonds do not store kinetic energy; they store potential energy. The energy stored in chemical bonds is a form of potential energy because it is related to the position and arrangement of atoms within molecules. When bonds are broken or formed during chemical reactions, this potential energy can be released or absorbed.
Non-spontaneous reactions are not exergonic. In fact, spontaneous reactions release free energy and are called exergonic, meaning they occur with a net release of energy. Non-spontaneous reactions require an input of energy to proceed and are called endergonic. These reactions absorb free energy from their surroundings.
Understanding these concepts helps explain how energy flows and transformations occur in physical and biological systems.