Energy and Equilibria 1.3 Flashcards
Second law of thermodynamics
Entropy in an isolated system not in equilibrium will intend to increase over time
Entropy
Degree of disorder or chaos in a system
Thermodynamics
Heat and temperatures and their relation to energy and work
Energy conversions
Never 100% efficient, energy lost to the environment, ex: heat
Thermal death
Heat is a waste energy that can’t do work, so when all energy in a system is heat the universe will be balanced and no increase of entropy is possible
Mesocosm
Bringing a small part of the environment under controlled conditions
First law of mesocosm and thermodynamics
Sunlight refills energy in a system
Second law of mesocosm and thermodynamics
During energy conversions energy is lost as heat to the surroundings
Equilibrium
Tendency to return to the original state following a disturbance
Steady-state equilibrium
Continuous inputs/outputs of energy/matter.
Remains in a constant state.
Typical of open systems.
Static equilibrium
No change over time.
If disturbed will adopt a new equilibrium.
Used for non-living systems.
Stable equilibrium
System tends to return to the original state after a disturbance
Unstable equilibrium
System will reach a new equilibrium after a disturbance
Feedback
New information starts a reaction, which in turn gives more information and starts another reaction
Positive feedback
Enhances change, new state of equilibrium
