Concept explainers
State the first and second laws of
To state: The first and second law of thermodynamics.
Introduction: The energy can be converted from one form to another and it exists in either of the two forms, namely, potential or kinetic. The stored energy is potential energy. It can be converted to kinetic energy, which is known as the energy of motion.
Explanation of Solution
First law of thermodynamics: It states that in the universe, the energy level is constant, which means energy cannot be created or destroyed. The energy can be converted from one form to another.
Second law of thermodynamics: This law states that the closed system normally moves in the direction of increasing entropy or disorder.
To explain: The paradox that the living system seems to violate the second law of thermodynamics because a high degree of organization is maintained by the living things despite a universal trend in the direction of increasing disorganization.
Explanation of Solution
Living systems are not a closed system. They are open systems. The living things maintain their organization as well as increase it, as during the animal development from egg to adult. They get their energy from their surroundings and therefore, they are not subject to the second law of thermodynamics.
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- Biology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStax