Question

What happened to the matter and the energy of a watermelon when it decomposes?

Answer 1

Matter and energy from a decomposing watermelon are not destroyed but redistributed. The matter turns into new substances such as carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients, while energy is released as heat or used by organisms in the form of ATP.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a watermelon decomposes, the matter and the energy it contains are redistributed but not destroyed. The watermelon's organic material is broken down by decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi. During this process, the matter that composed the watermelon is transformed into different substances, like carbon dioxide, water, and compounds rich in nutrients that enrich the soil.

Alongside the decomposition and recycling of matter, the energy stored in the watermelon's cells is released. Some of this energy will be used by the decomposers for their own life processes, while the rest is dissipated as heat into the environment. Both matter and energy are never lost but change forms, following the laws of conservation of matter and energy. In terms of energy, some is captured in chemical form, like ATP, used by organisms for various biological functions.

Answer 2

Answer: Decomposition is a process in which complex organic molecules are converted into simple inorganic forms, which can be easily degraded.

Step-by-step explanation:

The watermelon is a food source for decomposers. The soft fleshy part get decomposed and degraded easily but the hard thicker rind takes long. The soil decomposers like bacteria, earthworms and fungi will convert the organic matter in the watermelon into inorganic components. This way the matter is converted into a form which can be utilized by the decomposers as a source of energy and some components also improves the quality of soil.