Question

How does the law of conservation of matter and energy relate to the cycles in nature?

Answer 1

Hint: As a first step you could briefly explain what exactly these laws of conservation of matter and energy are. Then you could look for an example that could directly explain the conservation law’s relation with nature. You should choose an example such that it is an apt example for proving the relation.

Complete answer:
In the question we are asked to relate the law of conservation of matter and energy to the various cycles in nature. Before relating to various cycles in nature, let us first recall what exactly this law is.
The law of conservation of matter and energy is known to state that the matter can neither be created nor be destroyed but can be transferred from one form to another and hence remains conserved. For example, when a stick of dynamite explodes, chemical energy is converted into kinetic energy. You could simply add up all the energy released in that particular explosion then you will find that it is equal to the chemical energy that is decreased in the combustion process of dynamite.
Though in special relativity, mass and energy is related to one another by,
$E=m{{c}^{2}}$
Classically, the conservation of mass and energy is considered different from each other.
Now consider the process of photosynthesis. Solar energy from the sun, carbon dioxide and also water from ground are utilized by the plants for producing food and oxygen is released as a byproduct. The food so produced is broken down by animals in the process of respiration using this released oxygen and carbon dioxide will be the byproduct now. And so the cycle goes on again and again as one among the proof of conservation of matter and energy. This is the best example of how conservation of matter and energy relates to cycles in nature.

Note:
The term ‘Matter’ is more commonly used in chemistry and is defined as anything that takes up space and has mass. It could be any from atoms to other fundamental particles. The law of conservation of mass is the same as the law of conservation of matter. You could take the example of water that exists in three different states without changing its chemical composition.