How did this simulation contribute to your understanding of energy as a cross cutting concept throughout various scientific disciplines?
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Sri K.
Consider a simple process that illustrates the change in entropy when energy is transferred. 1. Take a block of ice as a system with a temperature of $0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ . This is water as a solid, so it has a high structural order. This means that the molecules are in a fixed position. As a result, the entropy of the system is low. 2. Allow the ice to melt at room temperature. Describe changes in the motion and interactions of water molecules before and after melting. Explain where the energy came from whose transfer produced melting. Predict the effect of the energy transfer on the entropy on the system, and justify your prediction. 3. Heat the water until the temperature reaches boiling point. Explain what happens to the entropy of the system when the water is heated. 4. Continue to heat the water at the constant temperature of the boiling point. Describe changes in the motion and interactions of water molecules before and after boiling. Predict the effect of the energy transfer on the entropy of the system, and justify your prediction. 5. [Extension/Connection] Molecules of water have simple responses to heating: The molecules move faster and interact less strongly with other neighboring molecules. Consider the primary producers of an aquatic ecosystem in summer. Describe the source of energy transfer to the system of photosynthetic plants and algae. Predict changes in the system in response. Explain what happens to the entropy of this trophic level when energy transfer occurs. Now consider the primary producers and their aqueous environment as the system. Explain what happens to the entropy of this system composed of photosynthetic organisms and their abiotic environment. 6. Predict the change in entropy of the system when both autotrophs and their abiotic environment are considered. Justify your prediction. Predict the signs of the entropy changes in both biotic and abiotic components of this system. Predict the relative magnitudes of these entropy changes, and justify your prediction.
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