Laws of thermodynamics:

Forms of energy:

Light, heat, chemical, electrical and kinetic energy.

What is defined by laws of thermodynamics?

Behavior of energy in systems is defied by the laws of thermodynamics.

1st) Conservation of energy:

Energy isn’t created nor destoryed —> only changes form

amount enters = amount released

2nd) Entropy(disorder) will increase ovetime:

Energy in systes is transformed into heat (high entropy energy) over time due to inefficent transfer.

Order of living systems is maintated by constant solar input (low entropy energy)

—> As less energy comes available, entropy(disorder) increases.

Heat is catagorized by high entropy.

Types of systes:

Closed, open and isolated

Closed system:

Allows energy to cross its bountary, but not matter (eg. cooking)

Mass is converted within the system, but energy can be exchanged with the surroundings.

Isolated system:

Systen dien’t interact with its surroundings in any way (eg. thermostat)

No energy or matter can cross the boundary of the system.

Open system:

Allows both matter and energy to cross it’s boundaries (eg. ocean)

Mass and energy can be changed with the surrounding.

What are two types of equilibrium?

Static equilibrium and steady state equilibrium

Static equiblibrium:

Happens to none living things (eg. table)

no inputs or outputs —> no change in system outline

Steady state equilibrium:

Input and output (cancel out)

Typical for open systems in nature

Stability of syste remains (eg. of birds)

A system in equilibrium can be…

stable, unstable, or neutral

stable equilibrium:

Disturbance is followed by return to original equilibrium.

Unstable equilibrium:

Disturbance is followed by the adaption of new equilibrium (tipping point)

Feedback mechanism:

causual loop diagram

Positive feedback loop:

Occurs when output of process amplifies the same process. —> Drives system away fro its equilibrium.

occurs in nature when the product of a reaction leads to an increase in that reaction.

Negative feedback loop:

Occurs when output of process inhibits the same process. —> maintains a system in equilibrium/one stable state.

occurs in nature when the product of a reaction leads to an increase in that reaction.

Tipping point:

The minimum amount of change within a system that will destabilize it, causing it to reach a new equilibrium or stable state.