Question

In: Chemistry

explain how hydrothermal ocean vents might be connected to the topic of thermodynamic equilibrium

explain how hydrothermal ocean vents might be connected to the topic of thermodynamic equilibrium

Solutions

Expert Solution

Hydrothermal vents are connected to the topic of thermodynamic equilibrium in the following way.

The systems that occur when water is present in a steep geothermal gradient are known as hydrothermal vents.

The well-known examples include the 'geysers' of Yellowstone National Park and the ‘black smokers’ at mid-ocean ridges.

The geothermal energy heats the vent water to high temperatures: in the case of black smokers, the water may be as hot as 350 oC.

These systems are interesting because they support a variety of life that ultimately derives its energy from chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis. Organisms generate energy by taking advantage of thermodynamic disequilibrium between reduced vent water (in equilibrium with the rock beneath the seafloor) and oxidized seawater.

Hence, hydrothermal ocean vents are connected to the topic of thermodynamic equilibrium

queen_honey_blossom answered 2 years ago
Next > < Previous

Related Solutions

What is/are the energy source(s) utilized by primary producers in the hydrothermal vents on the ocean...
What is/are the energy source(s) utilized by primary producers in the hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor? (a) light (b) sulfur compounds (c) organic molecules (d) carbon dioxide
Data Analysis Activities What importance might deep sea hydrothermal vents have played on early Earth? What...
 What importance might deep sea hydrothermal vents have played on early Earth? What were the first organisms on Earth probably like? Most likely, what were the first organisms that began to produce oxygen? What was the Earth's early atmosphere like? What is believed to have been the earliest form of genetic material? What are chloroplasts? What is the endosymbiosis? What organelle may have developed due to such a relationship? What is the most likely explanation for why the dinosaurs went extinct? How do we get new species? What happens...
Suggest how the thermodynamic equilibrium constant and the equilibrium constant expressed in terms of partial pressures...
Suggest how the thermodynamic equilibrium constant and the equilibrium constant expressed in terms of partial pressures may respond differently to changes in temperature and pressure.
Derive and explain the relationship between the Nernst equation, the equilibrium constant and other thermodynamic quantities...
Derive and explain the relationship between the Nernst equation, the equilibrium constant and other thermodynamic quantities such as enthalpy, Gibbs energy and entropy of reaction.
Project for Separations class: How might we improve the thermodynamic efficiency of a binary distillation column?...
Project for Separations class: How might we improve the thermodynamic efficiency of a binary distillation column? What are the possible limitations of your suggestions?
Discussion Topic: What are some ways you might use to explain to a co-worker regarding how...
Discussion Topic: What are some ways you might use to explain to a co-worker regarding how to understand and use Joins in their queries? Why do we need joins?  
Explain, in thermodynamic terms what happens and how it is achieved to ensure that an engine...
Explain, in thermodynamic terms what happens and how it is achieved to ensure that an engine can operate at high altitude for commercial aircraft since the highier they go the less air is present for the engines to work with. What changes, differences in design for engines, are required for aircraft that operate at higher altitudes?
Explain in depth what a Blue Ocean Strategy is and how to create the value curve?
Explain in depth what a Blue Ocean Strategy is and how to create the value curve?
Explain what the diffraction limit is and how it is connected to the spatial resolution of...
Explain what the diffraction limit is and how it is connected to the spatial resolution of an optical system. Is it possible to resolve features smaller than the diffraction limit? Can you resolve 100 nm features using an optical microscope? How about 100 pm?
Explain what the diffraction limit is and how it is connected to the spatial resolution of...
Explain what the diffraction limit is and how it is connected to the spatial resolution of an optical system. Is it possible to resolve features smaller than the diffraction limit? Can you resolve 100 nm features using an optical microscope? How about 100 pm?
ADVERTISEMENT
Subjects
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest Questions
ADVERTISEMENT