misconceptions
1. Metabolism is the same as digestion
Digestion involves the catabolic processes of breaking down food into simpler compounds, but metabolism is not digestion. Digestion has both anabolic and catabolic reactions that take place meaning metabolic reactions are taking place, but the definitions are not interchangeable.
More specifically, digestion refers to how the body processes food in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and eliminates food waste via the intestines. Metabolism refers to how the cells utilize the energy we have absorbed from food during digestion.
More specifically, digestion refers to how the body processes food in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and eliminates food waste via the intestines. Metabolism refers to how the cells utilize the energy we have absorbed from food during digestion.
To keep students from developing this misconception, explain the difference between metabolism and digestion as to avoid confusion. If you do not address the issue right away, students may be thinking they are the same without ever asking for clarification.
2. an object at rest has no energy
This is not true. Everything possesses energy. Either kinetic or potential. If an object is at rest, it contains potential energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed just transferred.
If you are having trouble correcting this misconception, try to refer back to the bicycle photo and ask the students if the gentlemen at the top of the hill has energy.