IB ESS HL 2.2.8 Second Law and Energy Loss Questions

Explain why energy quality decreases and energy is lost as heat during transfers.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • explain how the second law degrades usable energy into dispersed heat as entropy increases in ecosystems
  • relate respiratory heat loss to declining energy availability and sub-100% efficiency across trophic transfers

IB ESS HL 2.2.8 Second Law and Energy Loss Questions question 1

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Figure for Question IB ESS HL 2.2.8 Second Law and Energy Loss Questions question 1 — IB ESS HL

Figure The gross and net productivity at different trophic levels within the Silver Springs, Florida, ecosystem.

Describe how the second law of thermodynamics operates in relation to the transfer of energy within the Silver Springs ecosystem.

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