AP Biology - Unit 3: Topic 8.1

Thermodynamix. "YOU SHOULD BE KISSING MY ASS RIGHT NOW! IT IS PERSONAL!" - Hector Salamanca

entropy

a measure of molecular disorder, or randomness.

spontaneous process

if something leads to more entropy (disorder), no input of energy is required

nonspontaneous process

if something leads to less entropy (disorder) on its own

1ST LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS

Energy can be transferred and transformed, but it cannot be created or destroyed.

THE 2ND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS

Every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy (disorder) of the universe.

BIOENERGETICS

The study of how energy flows through living organisms.

METABOLISM

All of an organism's chemical reactions.

METABOLIC PATHWAY

The alteration of a molecule in defined steps, resulting in a product.

CATABOLIC PATHWAY

Metabolic pathways that break down complex molecules into simpler compounds; releasing energy.

ANABOLIC PATHWAYS

Metabolic pathways that build complex molecules from simpler ones; consuming energy.

ENERGY

The capacity to cause change.

KINETIC ENERGY

Energy associated with the relative motion of objects.

THERMAL ENERGY

Kinetic energy in the form of heat.

POTENTIAL ENERGY

Energy stored in objects that are not in motion.

CHEMICAL ENERGY

The potential energy available for release in a chemical reaction.

THERMODYNAMICS

The study of the energy transformations that occur in a collection of matter.

SYSTEM

A specific thing being studied.

SURROUNDINGS

The rest of the universe; everything outside the system.

ISOLATED SYSTEM

A system that cannot engage with its surroundings.

OPEN SYSTEM

A system in which energy can be transferred between the system and its surroundings.