Problem 3
Respond to the following statements: a. Scientists have not absolutely proven that anyone has ever died from smoking cigarettes. b. The natural greenhouse effect - that certain gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide help to warm the lower atmosphere-is not a reliable idea because it is just a scientific theory.
Problem 4
A tree grows and increases its mass. Explain why this is not a violation of the law of conservation of matter.
Problem 5
If there is no "away" where organisms can get rid of their wastes due to the law of conservation of matter, why is the world not filled with waste matter?
Problem 6
Suppose someone wants you to invest money in an automobile engine, claiming that it will produce more energy than is found in the fuel used to run it. What would be your response? Explain.
Problem 7
Use the second law of thermodynamics to explain why we can use oil only once as a fuel, or in other words, why we cannot recycle its high-quality energy.
Problem 8
Imagine that for one day (a) you have the power to revoke the law of conservation of matter, and (b) you have the power to violate the first law of thermodynamics. For each of these scenarios, list three ways in which you would use your new power. Explain your choices.
