The Laws of Thermodynamics

The first law of thermodynamics states that the total amount of energy in the universe is constant. It cannot be created or destroyed. It can only change form. Energy cannot be produced by a cell. It can only be borrowed from someplace else.

Energy can be of high quality, that is, highly concentrated and usable, or it can be of low quality, such as heat that is released into the universe.

The second law of thermodynamics states that the spontaneous direction of energy flow is from high- to low-quality forms. Each conversion results in production of energy (usually heat) that is unavailable for work. As systems lose energy, they become more disorganized. The measure of this disorder is called entropy.

Plant and animal life maintains a high degree of organization only because it is being resupplied with energy from the sun.

REVIEW: Essentially, the first law of thermodynamics says that

REVIEW: The second law of thermodynamics states that

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