Question

What forms of energy is important In the functioning of humans?

Answer 1

Energy: As the laws of thermodynamics state : "Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but only transformed from one form to another". Various forms of energy are utilized by humans.

Human beings need various sources of energy for proper functioning of their biological life processes. They are as follows:

1. Radiant energy: It is transmitted and emitted as waves instead of matter. The body uses ultraviolet energy (313 nm to 413 nm) from sunlight for the conversion of the provitamin; 1,4 Dehydrocholesterol present in keratinocytes into Ergosterol, which is vitamin D₂. The eye of humans has evolved to see wavelengths comprising colors of the rainbow(380 nm to 720 nm), hence the range is known as visible light.
2. Mechanical energy: It is stored in the physical systems such as engines, machines, the human body directly powering matter movement.
3. Electrical energy: supplied by the electrolytes in cells and the body fluids. It contributes to the voltage changes which assist in transmitting impulses to muscle and nerve cells.
4. Chemical energy: Chemical energy is produced in the cells as adenosine triphosphate that powers all the biochemical and physiological processes.