Answer»
- Thermodynamics (Greek: therme, heat and dynamis, power) is generally defined as the study of the relationship of heat to mechanical and other forms of energy. It is more justifiable to define the term as the study of the relationships among various forms of energy. Energy conversions are continually happening around us. If a light switch is put on, the electrical energy is converted into light and heat energy.
- A fire fly converts the chemical energy from its foods into light energy and motion energy. When something heavy is lifted, chemical energy in the muscles is converted into the potential energy of raised object. The more work is done the more energy is converted. The energy chain can be explained as such.
- Inside the sun, nuclear energy is converted to heat and light energy. The green plants convert light energy from the sun into the chemical energy of sugar by the process of photosynthesis.
- If anybody eats green plant, the chemical energy it contains is transferred to his body. It is used for the activities, such as breathing and moving. Winding up an ALARM clock changes this chemical energy to elastic potential energy in the spring.
- The potential energy of the wound spring is converted to movement energy of its hands and SOUND energy of its ticks. The clock keeps working until the spring is UNWOUND and has lost its potential energy. Lord Kelvin (1824 – 1907) helped to find the science of thermodynamics, ESTABLISHING clear relationships between heat, work and energy.
- Life obeys the laws of thermodynamics, although living systems present some practical challenges to thermodynamic analysis. Classical or equilibrium thermodynamics investigates the feasibility and EXTENT of chemical reactions by measuring properties of matter in bulk.
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