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Which of these is true about the total amount of energy in a closed system?

a) Decreases
b) Destroyed and created
c) Increases
d) Remains the same

User Nigel Fds
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In a closed system, the total amount of energy remains constant due to the law of conservation of energy, although energy can change form within the system, typically increasing entropy overall.

Step-by-step explanation:

The total amount of energy in a closed system remains the same as per the law of conservation of energy. This is because in a closed system, energy cannot be created or destroyed. Examples of energy transfer within such a system include heat transferring from a high to a lower temperature, which generally increases the entropy of the system. Similarly, when energy is inputted into a living system, it can fuel catabolic reactions or decrease entropy within the system.

With regards to pressure and volume changes, when heat adds energy to a system, the pressure and volume of the system may both increase. However, this depends on the specifics of the system and the process conditions. For instance, adding a large amount of energy could also result in decreasing the volume and increasing the pressure if the system's capacity to hold energy is reached.

User Tanekqua
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