Essay On Energy And Thermodynamics

Energy and Thermodynamics

Energy is a property of objects which can be transferred to other objects or converted into different forms. Thermodynamics definition states the importance of energy, ‘the branch of physical science that deals with the relations between heat and other forms of energy (such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical energy), and, by extension, of the relationships between all forms of energy.’

For a fixed quantity of gas, pressure is proportional to temperature and inversely proportional to volume. Therefore, ways to get (heat) energy out of a system:

1. Change in temperature - a steam engine works by heating and cooling of steam.

2. Change in pressure – working of a windmill.

3. Change in volume - a gas rushing against a piston, gasoline engine (sudden creation of hot gases push the piston out).

Heat energy specifically plays more roles in the field of thermodynamics. It also disrupts the molecular configurations causing the molecules to move faster and thus changing the state of matter from solid to liquid to gas. Each phase changes requires heat energy to effect the phase change called latent heat.

Brownian motion in fluids also

External energy is taken up by this system. It is usually in the form of solar energy. Many ecosystems also intake chemical form of energy, nevertheless we will consider solar energy. Now plants are always a part of an ecosystem. What plants do is convert the solar energy that falls onto them into useful products via photosynthesis. They convert the inorganic matter into useful organic matter. The by product in this whole process is oxygen. The organic matter thus formed is used by the producer, here plant, themselves to get energy for their various life processes. The remaining matter is used up by the animals in the ecosystem. An ideal ecosystem is always balanced, which is not the case in the present