Question

Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu.

Plants use sunlight to convert nutrients into energy. What form of energy transfer is taking place?
The
energy of the Sun is converted into
energy by the plants.

Answer 1

Plants perform the process of photosynthesis to convert radiant energy from sunlight into stored chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process is essential for the survival of most life forms on Earth as it is the base of the food web, supplying the initial energy input that all other organisms depend on.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process that takes place when plants use sunlight to convert nutrients into energy is known as photosynthesis. During this process, the radiant energy from sunlight is transformed into stored chemical energy. This conversion is vital for life on Earth because it acts as the foundational step in the food chain, providing energy for all living organisms that eat plants or eat organisms that consume plants.

More specifically, plants capture the sun's radiant energy and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which is a type of sugar. This energy is then stored within the chemical bonds of glucose and can be released during cellular respiration, where it is used to power the plant's life functions. Animals, including humans, gain this energy by consuming plants or other animals, which is then available for our cells as a usable form of energy when we digest food.