The average efficiency of energy capture/ transfer reaction in an organism is about 40%. Is this efficient? Why or why not? Use examples of other energy transfer systems in your explanation (cooking, lighting, fuel burning etc.).

Question

The average efficiency of energy capture/ transfer reaction in an organism is about 40%. Is this efficient?  Why or why not?  Use examples of other energy transfer systems in your explanation (cooking, lighting, fuel burning etc.).

Can someone please help me on this?? I really don't know how to start...

DrBob222 · Answer

Here is a site in which I think the description is somewhat confusing becasue they introduce so many variables; however, scroll down to the table which lists actual values for various energies. I think this is what you need.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_conversion_efficiency

Kassi · Answer

So would you say that energy capture/transfer is relatively inefficient in an organism since many other energy systems have pretty much higher efficiency than 40%?

DrBob222 · Answer

I'm not sure I would draw that conclusion. Note that those high numbers at the very top of the table are "up to" so an up to 70% means somewhere between 0 and 70%. And if you fit that in with those at the bottom of the table called "low end systems" the incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs etc are not nearly as good as 40%. Looking again at how the question is worded, I think a case could be made for either answer. It all depends upon how you defend the answer you choose.