1.2 And 1.3 Flashcards
(20 cards)
System
Set of inter-related parts working together to make a complex whole
Open system
Exchanges matter and energy with it surroundings
Transfers
Occur when energy or matter flows in changes location but does not change its state
Transformation
Occur when energy or matter flows and changes its state – a change in chemical nature, a change in state or energy
Closed system
Exchanges energy but not matter with its environment
Isolated system
Exchanges neither energy nor matter with its environment
First law of thermodynamics
Energy is neither created nor destroyed or total energy in any isolated system is constant
Principle of conservation of energy
Energy in an isolated system can be transformed but not created or destroyed
Second law of Thermodynamics
The entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time
Entropy
Measurement of the amount of disorder in a system
Efficiency
Useful energy, work or output produced by a process divided by the amount of energy consumed being the input to the process
Negative feedback
Stabilizing, occurring output of a process inhibits or reverses the operation of the same process in such a way to reduce change
Equilibrium
Tendency of the system to return to an original state following disturbance
Steady-state equilibrium
Continues inputting outputs of energy and matter, but in the system as a whole remains in a more or less constant state
Static equilibrium
No change over time
Stable equilibrium
Return to the same equilibrium after a disturbance
Unstable equilibrium
Returns to a new equilibrium after disturbance
Feedback loop
Information that starts a reaction in turn may input more information which may start another reaction
Positive feedback
Amplify change and drive the system toward a tipping point where new equilibrium is adopted
Tipping point
Ecosystem experiences a shift to a new state in which there is a significant change to its biodiversity and the service it provides
