Question

Question: Most cells cannot harness heat to perform work because

1. heat does not involve a transfer of energy
2. cells do not have much thermal energy; they are relatively cool
3. temperature is usually uniform throughout a cell
4. heat can never be used o do work

Short answer

1. The option “heat does not involve a transfer of energy” is false.
2. The option “cells do not have much thermal energy; they are relatively cool” is false.
3. The option “temperature is usually uniform throughout a cell” is true.
4. The option “heat can never be used o do work” isfalse.

Step-by-step solution

Energy is used to do work

The ability to do any kind of work is called energy. Energy is always converted from one form to another that helps to do work. Thus, energy is never wasted.

Explanation of option (A)

Heat is a type of thermal energy that transfers from a higher temperature body to a lower temperature body. There must be a difference in the temperature of the objects for heat transfer, and in the absence of temperature difference, no heat transfer can occur.

Thus, heat involves the transfer of energy.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (B)

The thermal energy is released as heat when molecules are synthesized and assembled into different structures in the cells.The temperature rises during the synthesis of molecules, and the power obtained through the heated substance is thermal energy.

Thus, cells have thermal energy, and they are not cool.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (C)

Thermal energy can be harnessed to do work. Heat, a form of thermal energy, must flow from a higher temperature region to a cooler temperature region to do work. However, the temperature is generally the same within a cell. Thus, it cannot use heat energy to work as it requires a temperature difference between two regions for heat to flow.

Thus, cells cannot utilize heat to do work.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation of option (D)

Heat transfers from one region to another when there is a temperature difference between the two regions.This transfer of energy can be used to do work.

Thus, heat can be utilized to do work.

Therefore, the given option is false.