1.3 Energy & Equilibria Flashcards
Define the First Law of Thermodynamics
States that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can be converted from one form to another.
Define the Second Law of Thermodynamics
States that in isolated systems entropy tends to increase.
Define Entropy
A measure of the evenness of energy distribution in a system. It is also defined as a measure of the disorder of a system: the greater the disorder, the higher the level of entropy.
Define Equilibrium
A state of balance among the components of a system.
Define Steady - State Equilibrium
A stable form of equilibrium that allows a system to return to its steady state after a disturbance.
Define Static Equilibrium
A type of equilibrium in which there are no changes over time because there are no inputs to and outputs from the system.
Define Stable Equilibrium
A system is a state in which a system that is disturbed returns to its former position.
Define Unstable Equilibrium
A state of equilibrium in which a small disturbance produces a large change and a new and different equilibrium.
Define Feedback
The return of part of the output from a system as input, so as to effect succeeding outputs.
Define Positive Feedback
Results in a change in the system that leads to more and greater change. It amplifies or increases change and leads to exponential deviation away from equilibrium and thus destabilizes the system.
Define Negative Feedback
Tends to damp down or counteract any deviation from an equilibrium and promotes stability. It stabilizes the system to eliminate any deviation from the preferred conditions.
Define Resilience
The tendency of a system to maintain stability and resist tipping points.
Define Tipping Point
The minimum amount of change within a system that will destabilize it and cause it to reach a new equilibrium or stable state.
