2.1 - Introduction to Energy

Thermodynamics

study of the flow of energy in systems

First Law of Thermodynamics

energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can be converted from one form to another

Energy

the ability to: 

1. do “work”

2. bring about a change

2 states (of energy)

1. kinetic: 

   • energy of motion

2. potential: 

   • stored energy

Different Forms of Energy…

• thermal - heat

• electrical - flow of charged particles

• nuclear - radioactive decay

• light - waves of photons

• sound - mechanical wave moves through air

• chemical - potential energy stored in chemical bonds

Only type of energy organisms can use

Chemical Energy

Ex. glucose

• contains chemical potential energy

  • (stored in its covalent bonds)

Types of energy

Organisms Need Energy For...

Organisms need energy every second for:

1. active transport 

• nerve transmission

• homeostasis 

• muscle contraction

2. anabolic reactions

• synthesis reactions → making bigger molecules 

• condensation/dehydration rxn’s

• making bonds

• endothermic (energy needed)

• energy provided by hydrolysis of ATP