Question

The living state is defined as a/an

• A. non-equilibrium steady state not to be able to perform work.
• B. non-equilibrium non-steady state to be able to perform work.
• C. non-equilibrium steady state to be able to perform work.
• D. equilibrium non-steady state to be able to perform work. 

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Any systems at equilibrium cannot perform any work as we know that living organisms work continuously, so they cannot afford to reach equilibrium. The living process also prevents falling into equilibrium. We can achieve this by the input of energy. So in the living state, work can be performed by a non-equilibrium steady state.