The Laws of Thermodynamics

The Laws of Thermodynamics

Michele West

AIU Online

Instructor Sandra Fleming

Abstract

This paper will discuss the Laws of Thermodynamics and how they apply to energy use and conservation and also why there is a great need for energy efficiency across the globe. It will discuss six types of energy sources, including some discussion of the pros and cons of each type. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, and its provisions will also be discussed along with two specific provisions and how they help us to meet energy consumption goals.

Energy is defined as the ability to do work or to bring about change and exists in several forms such as electrical energy, chemical energy, light and heat. The study of energy is referred to as Thermodynamics, which follows two laws. The first law of Thermodynamics states that while “energy can be changed from one form to another, it cannot be created or destroyed” (Laws of Thermodynamics, n.d.). This means that the total amount of energy in the entire universe remains constant at all times (it can neither be created nor can it ever be destroyed), energy is merely transformed into one form or another. The total amount of energy put into a converter equals the total amount of energy released from the converter. The second law of Thermodynamics states that "in all energy exchanges, if no energy enters or leaves the system, the potential energy of the state will always be less than that of the initial state." (Laws of Thermodynamics, n.d.). More simply stated, if an organism utilizes all of its potential energy (energy which has not been used) by converting it to kinetic energy (energy which is in use or motion), such an organism will get no additional kinetic energy until the organism inputs more potential energy. An example of this could be a gasoline powered motor. Once the motor runs and uses up all of the gasoline which was provided, it will not run again until more gasoline is input, ceteris paribus.

The process of converting potential energy into kinetic energy is called entropy. Entropy is simply the process of going from an ordered state (full of potential energy) to a disordered state (void of potential energy). During conversion, the process of energy transfer, some of an organism's potential energy will dissipate as heat. This flow of energy is what maintains life and order. Entropy occurs when organisms cease to input energy and as a result become disordered and die.(Laws of Thermodynamics, n.d.).

There are several types of energy sources, each of which have their own sets of pros and cons. The first