Law of Thermodynamics

Satira Lyapo Jones

August 8, 2017

Law of Thermodynamics

The first law of thermodynamics is energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it is simply transferred from one party to the next. The branch of physics that deals with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy is thermodynamics. It describes how thermal energy is converted to and from forms of energy and how that energy affects matter. The second law of thermodynamics is called Entropy. Entropy is another word for useless energy or useless energy.

An example of these 2 laws of thermodynamics is the melting of an ice cube. Ice requires temperature below a freezing point of water in order to remain solid. This is where the first and second laws of thermodynamics take place, the ice cubes are submersed in a warm glass of iced tea or lemonade. When the drink has barely been drank or not drunk at all, the ice starts to melt but the drink is now cooled. That is due to the total amount of heat has remained the same but it has gravitated towards the equilibrium where the ice cube and drink are now the same temperature. The heat from the environment is transferred to the glass and now the drink becomes warm again.

The third law of thermodynamics us where temperature approaches absolute zero, the entropy approaches a constant minimum. Meaning you cannot reach zero with any refrigeration techniques. An example of this would be spin ice. Spin ice is a substance that is magnetic and does not have a single energy state. They show low temperature properties related to those of crystalline water.

Fossil fuels consist of coal, petroleum and natural gas. 86.4% of the primary energy consumption in the word is sourced back to fossil fuel. The main advantages of fossil fuels are they are a cheap reliable source of energy. Also the technology used to harness the energy is well developed. Thud the reason fossil fuels have been used for power for many decades. The disadvantages of fossil fuels is that they contribute to global warming, with its high amounts of carbon. They are also non renewable energy sources and they are also unsustainable.  

Nuclear energy is to be considered the most environmentally friendly source of energy. It produces fewer greenhouse gases during production of electricity. Operating costs are also an added benefit as uranium is utilized as fuel. With the current rate of consumption of uranium, we have enough to last nearly 100 years so nuclear energy is highly reliable. Even though nuclear energy is environmentally friendly, uranium us an issue as it can create a pollution hazard. Another disadvantage is it is a target for militants and it is also subject to nuclear accidents as well as radioactive waste disposal.

Solar Energy comes from the most powerful energy source; the Sun. Solar energy is derived from the suns radiation which is why it is renewable. It also reduces electricity bills and has low maintenance costs. The disadvantages are that Solar energy is weather dependent. It can work on cloudy or rainy days but the strength drops. Another disadvantage is the cost is very high and energy storage is expensive.

Wind power is a clean renewable energy source. It does not pollute the air and wind turbines don’t produce emissions that can increase health problems. Wind power is very cost effective and the lowest cost of renewable energy. Wind energy also helped create jobs. The disadvantage is wind power must compete with conventional generation sources on a cost basis. Turbines cause noise and can also harm wildlife.