IB ESS SL 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 SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • explain how ecosystem energy transformations increase entropy as useful energy is degraded and dissipated as heat
  • apply the second law to food chains by linking respiratory heat loss to energy transfers below 100% efficiency

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

[Maximum number: 2]
Figure: Savanna food chain

Figure:Savanna food chain

Figure: Biting flies in the savanna

Figure:Biting flies in the savanna

Figure: Biting flies in the savanna

Figure:Biting flies in the savanna

Figure: Savanna food chain: Savanna food chain. Figure: Biting flies in the savanna: Biting flies in the savanna.

Explain how the second law of thermodynamics applies to this food chain.

Biting flies bite and drink the blood of zebras. They commonly carry diseases that can be fatal to zebras.

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