1.03 Energy and equilibrium Flashcards
First law of thermodynamics
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed. Determines amount of energy in a system and amount lost as waste.
Second law of Thermodynamics
Disorder (entropy) will increase in an isolated system. Energy is turning into less usable forms and so energy increases.
Which forms do energy exist in? (6)
- Light
- Heat
- Chemical energy
- Electrical energy
- Sound
- Kinetic energy
What form of energy cannot be transformed in a living process?
Heat energy, and that’s why energy leaves the system in this form.
Entropy
Disorder in an system. As well as evenness of energy distribution in a system. It increases as less energy is available.
Most concentrated form of energy?
Sun light
Most dispersed form of energy?
Heat energy
Equilibrium
The state of balance between components of a system. A systems “normal”
Steady-state equilibrium
(dynamic) stable form of equilibrium, which allows the system to return to steady state after disturbance. One example is the temperature in mammals.
Static equilibrium
There is no change in the system because there are neither inputs nor outputs.
Explain difference between a stable and an unstable equilibrium.
Stable means the system is in a state where it will return to its former state after disturbance. Could be a steady-state and a developing steady-steady state. Most natural open ecosystems are stable. In a system with an unstable equilibrium a small disturbance may lead to a big change/new equilibrium.
Developing steady-state equilibrium
A steady-state equilibrium that is developing and changing over time. (e.g. in a succession)
Feedback
Output from a system that return as input to affect succeeding outputs.
Describe a feedback loop.
->Changes in processes ->Changes in level of output-> Feeds back to the level of input
Positive feedback
Exponential deviation from equilibrium. It amplifies change and destabilizes the system. (E.g. Birth —> population, the greater the population the greater number of new organisms.)
