Most cells cannot harness heat to perform work because
A) heat does not involve a transfer of energy.
B) cells do not have much thermal energy; they are relatively cool.
C) temperature is usually uniform throughout a cell.
D) heat can never be used to do work.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Temperature is usually uniform throughout a cell, which means there is no temperature gradient to drive the conversion of heat into work. For work to be performed through heat, there typically needs to be a difference in temperature that allows heat to flow from a hotter region to a cooler one, driving work in the process. Since cells maintain a relatively uniform temperature internally, they cannot harness heat gradients to perform work in the same way.

Most Cells Cannot Harness Heat to Perform Work Because