Energy and Equilibria Flashcards
What is the first rule of thermodynamics?
The principle of conservation of energy
States that energy in an isolated system can be transformed but cannot be created nor destroyed.
What is the model of the first law of thermodynamics?
The energy transformations along food chains.
What is the second law of thermodynamics?
The entropy in a system increases over time. An increase in entropy arising from energy transformations reduces the energy available to work.
What is entropy?
A measure of the amount of disorder in a system.
What state to open systems exist in and what makes sure of this?
They exist in stable equilibrium maintained by stabilizing negative feedback loops.
What is a negative feedback loop?
Promotes stability. Counteracts any deviation from state of equilibrium.
What is a positive feedback loop?
One that amplifies or increases change; it leads to exponential deviation away from an equilibrium.
What is a tipping point?
A very unstable state
Which leads to tipping points, positive of negative feedback loops?
Positive
What is resilience?
Tendency to avoid such tipping poi8nts
Are energy transfers 100% efficient?
No never, some is always dissipated as waste heat
What is efficiency?
The useful energy produced by a process divided by the amount of energy inputted.
