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Multiple Choice
According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, which of these biological elements cannot be recycled in a closed system?
A
None of the above
B
Nitrogen
C
Carbon
D
Oxygen
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the Law of Conservation of Mass: This law states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a closed system through chemical reactions or physical transformations. Therefore, the total mass of reactants is equal to the total mass of products.
Identify the elements in question: The problem mentions nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen. These are all elements that are part of the biogeochemical cycles on Earth.
Consider the biogeochemical cycles: Each of these elements participates in a cycle that allows them to be recycled in nature. For example, carbon is part of the carbon cycle, nitrogen is part of the nitrogen cycle, and oxygen is part of the oxygen cycle.
Apply the concept of recycling in a closed system: In a closed system, these elements can be transformed from one compound to another but are not lost. They are continuously recycled through various processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.
Conclude based on the Law of Conservation of Mass: Since mass is conserved and these elements are part of natural cycles, none of them are lost in a closed system. Therefore, all of these elements can be recycled, aligning with the correct answer 'None of the above'.