Question

When kelp plants in coral reefs are exposed to sunlight, blue and red wavelengths of light are absorbed by the kelp. Energy from green wavelengths is lost to the kelp. Explain why this phenomenon does not violate the Law of Conservation of Energy.
A. Kelp are a closed system, so energy is allowed to exit the system.
B. The green wavelengths are reflected from the kelp, making them appear green.
C. Green wavelengths do not contain any energy, so its loss is acceptable.
D.The Law of Conservation of Energy does not apply to biological systems.

Answer 1

Answer: B

Reasoning: Plants absorbs all colors but green that is reflected back to our eyes through the chlorophyll pigment.

Answer 2

Answer:

Option B, The green wavelengths are reflected from the kelp, making them appear green.

Explanation:

All green organisms (including plants) contains chlorophyll and thus they have a tendency to reflect green light which make them appear green. Green plant absorbs light from the blue and red light zones of visible light spectrum to carry out light reactions of photosynthesis and convert this light energy into  chemical energy (food).

When the green light is reflected, the amount of energy absorbed/used by plant is zero and hence there is no violation of Law of Conservation of Energy as no energy is being used in this case.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B The green wavelengths are reflected from the kelp, making them appear green.