Problem 4
Respond to the following statements: a. Scientists have not absolutely proven that anyone has ever died from smoking cigarettes. b. The natural greenhouse theory - that certain gases (such as water vapor and carbon dioxide) warm the lower atmosphere-is not a reliable idea because it is just a scientific theory.
Problem 5
A tree grows and increases its mass. Explain why this phenomenon is not a violation of the law of conservation of matter.
Problem 6
If there is no "away" where organisms can get rid of their wastes, why is the world not filled with waste matter?
Problem 7
Someone wants you to invest money in an automobile engine, claiming that it will produce more energy than the energy stored in the fuel used to run it. What is your response? Explain.
Problem 8
Use the second law of thermodynamics to explain why a barrel of oil can be used only once as a fuel, or in other words, why we cannot recycle high- quality energy.
Problem 9
a. Imagine you have the power to revoke the law of conservation of matter for one day. What are three things you would do with this power? b. Imagine you have the power to violate the first law of thermodynamics for one day. What are three things you would do with this power?
Problem 10
List two questions that you would like to have answered as a result of reading this chapter.
