NST1502
ASSIGNMENT 4 (PORTFOLIO)
DUE: 2 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define Kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. The faster an object
moves, the more kinetic energy it has.
1.2 Explain how energy is transferred in an ecosystem.
Energy in an ecosystem is transferred through the food chain. Producers, such as plants,
capture energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. Consumers obtain energy by eating
producers or other consumers, while decomposers break down dead organisms, returning
nutrients and energy to the soil.
1.3 What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?
The main purpose of photosynthesis is to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy
in the form of glucose, which plants use for growth, repair, and energy storage.
1.4 What is cellular respiration?
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose in the presence of oxygen
to release energy, which is then stored in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
1.5 Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Aerobic respiration requires oxygen to break down glucose and produces a large amount of ATP
along with carbon dioxide and water. Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen, produces
ASSIGNMENT 4 (PORTFOLIO)
DUE: 2 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define Kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. The faster an object
moves, the more kinetic energy it has.
1.2 Explain how energy is transferred in an ecosystem.
Energy in an ecosystem is transferred through the food chain. Producers, such as plants,
capture energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. Consumers obtain energy by eating
producers or other consumers, while decomposers break down dead organisms, returning
nutrients and energy to the soil.
1.3 What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?
The main purpose of photosynthesis is to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy
in the form of glucose, which plants use for growth, repair, and energy storage.
1.4 What is cellular respiration?
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose in the presence of oxygen
to release energy, which is then stored in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
1.5 Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Aerobic respiration requires oxygen to break down glucose and produces a large amount of ATP
along with carbon dioxide and water. Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen, produces
