Ch 2 energy

What is the primary difference between potential and kinetic energy?

Potential energy is stored energy; kinetic energy is energy in motion.

How does nuclear radiation primarily affect human health?

Damaging DNA, which can cause mutations, increases cancer risk and leads to radiation sickness at high exposure levels

What does the First Law of Thermodynamics state?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred.

What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics state?

Energy tends to spread out and increase disorder (entropy).

How does ultraviolet radiation affect human health?

Damaging DNA leads to skin cancer, sunburn, premature aging, and a weakened immune system

In what form is energy transmitted in waves?

Electromagnetic radiation.

What is the primary energy source used in medical imaging?

electromagnetic radiation, specifically X-rays

Which imaging technique uses sound waves?

Ultrasound.

What is heat a form of?

Energy.

What is temperature a measure of?

The average kinetic energy of molecules.

How does the human body primarily lose heat?

Through radiation.

Why is fever beneficial?

It helps fight infections.

Why can high fevers be dangerous?

They can cause protein denaturation.

What is autoclaving used for?

To sterilize medical equipment.

What type of energy is produced in autoclaves?

Thermal energy.

What is electricity in living organisms primarily involved in?

Nerve signaling.

Which ion is critical for nerve impulses in the body?

Sodium (Na⁺).

How does the human body generate heat mainly?

Through metabolism.

Which temperature scale is most commonly used in medical settings?

Celsius.

How does sweating help cool the body?

Through evaporative cooling.

What controls thermoregulation in the body?

The hypothalamus.

How is a fever defined?

As a body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F).

What imaging technique uses magnets to visualize soft tissue?

MRI.

What is the primary risk of nuclear radiation exposure?

DNA damage, which can lead to mutations and increase the risk of cancer

What is the key principle behind an X-ray machine?

High-energy waves passing through soft tissues.