Moira's STEM Classroom

  Work and Energy in Marine Biology Research Understanding Energy Flow in Marine Ecosystems Energy flow is fundamental to the functioning of marine ecosystems. It begins with primary producers, such as phytoplankton and seaweeds, which convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This energy then moves through the food web as different organisms consume one another. Producers : Capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy. Consumers : Obtain energy by feeding on producers or other consumers. Decomposers : Break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This flow of energy is essential for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and is quantified through various metrics, such as primary productivity and trophic efficiency. Applications in Behavioral Ecology Recent research has introduced frameworks like the  Seascape of Ecological Energy  (SEE-scapes), which integrates concepts from behavioral ecology to study how energy

  Learning Outcomes Solve problems involving work and energy in marine contexts; and Solve problems involving conservation of mechanical energy Work-Energy Theorem and Conservation of Mechanical Energy Introduction Energy is a key concept in both physics and biology, describing the ability to do work. When we examine how forces act on objects and how energy changes, we uncover deeper insights into how physical processes function. Two important principles that help us understand these changes are the  work-energy theorem  and the  conservation of mechanical energy . These principles are crucial in fields like marine biology, where understanding energy transfer and movement through water, as well as the mechanics of marine organisms, helps scientists make sense of natural phenomena. Work-Energy Theorem The  work-energy theorem  states that the work done on an object by the net force acting on it is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. In mathematical form: W net​  = ΔKE = KE f​  −

  Learning Outcomes Solve problems involving work and energy in marine contexts; and Solve problems involving conservation of mechanical energy Energy in Physics and Marine Biology Introduction to Energy In physics,  energy  is the ability to do work. It exists in various forms, such as kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy). Energy can be transferred between objects or converted from one form to another, but the total amount of energy remains constant. This concept is known as the  conservation of energy . For marine biology, understanding energy is important in studying the movement of marine organisms, the energy requirements for their survival, and how energy flows through marine ecosystems. Types of Mechanical Energy 1.  Kinetic Energy (KE) : The energy an object possesses due to its motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has. The formula for kinetic energy is: KE = (1/2) ​mv 2 Where: m  is the mass of the object (in kilogram

  Learning Outcomes Solve problems involving work and energy in marine contexts; and Solve problems involving conservation of mechanical energy Work in Physics and Marine Biology Introduction to Work in Physics In physics,  work  is done when a force is applied to an object, and the object moves in the direction of that force. The amount of work done depends on three factors: the force applied, the distance the object moves, and the direction of the force relative to the direction of motion. The formula for calculating work is: W = F ⋅ d ⋅ cos(θ) Where: W   is the work done (in joules, J), F   is the force applied (in newtons, N), d   is the distance moved (in meters, m), θ  is the angle between the force and the direction of motion. If the force is applied in the same direction as the motion (θ = 0°), the equation simplifies to  W = F ⋅ d . If the force is perpendicular to the direction of motion (θ = 90°), no work is done since  cos ( 9 0 ° ) = 0 . Work and Energy Relationship Work i

  Learning Outcomes Describe the structure and properties of carboxylic acids and esters; Apply IUPAC nomenclature to carboxylic acids, and esters; and Understand and identify common reactions of carboxylic acids and esters. Carboxylic Acids and Esters in Daily Life and Agriculture Carboxylic acids and esters are essential in numerous industries due to their unique properties and versatility. Carboxylic acids are widely used in food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, household products, and industrial applications. Esters, known for their pleasant odors, are key in flavorings, fragrances, solvents, plasticizers, biodegradable products, and cleaning supplies. Both compounds play a crucial role in the consumer products we encounter daily. Esters and carboxylic acids are essential in agriculture, serving diverse functions. Esters are used as active ingredients in pesticides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators, as well as solvents, flavoring agents, and biodegradable plastics. While the