Question

Which of the following contributions to the theory of the conservation of energy is an observation of a biological system? A. Julius von Mayer’s observation that vibration increases the temperature of water B. James Prescott Joule’s observation that the potential energy of a weight can be converted into heat energy C. Hermann von Helmholtz’s demonstrations that energy is converted but not created when animal muscles move D. Baron Kelvin’s hypothesis that the melting point of ice decreases as pressure decreases

Answer 1

The contribution to the theory of the conservation of energy that is an observation of a biological system is Hermann von Helmholtz's demonstration that energy is converted but not created when animal muscles move.

Answer 2

The correct answer is option C. "Hermann von Helmholtz’s demonstrations that energy is converted but not created when animal muscles move".

Step-by-step explanation:

Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz was a notorious scientist that contribute to different fields, but was devoted to medicine and physics. He applied his knowledge in both fields to demonstrate that energy is converted but not created when animal muscles move. By doing so, he made an observation of a biological system (in this case the animal muscles) that contributed to the theory of conservation of energy.