Loose Leaf For Integrated Principles Of Zoology
Loose Leaf For Integrated Principles Of Zoology
18th Edition
ISBN: 9781260411140
Author: Cleveland P Hickman Jr. Emeritus, Susan L. Keen, David J Eisenhour Professor PhD, Allan Larson, Helen I'Anson Associate Professor of Biology
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 4, Problem 1RQ

State the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Living systems may appear to violate the second law of thermodynamics because living things maintain a high degree of organization despite a universal trend toward increasing disorganization. What is the explanation for this apparent paradox?

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Summary Introduction

To state: The first and second law of thermodynamics.

Introduction: The energy can be converted from one form to another and it exists in either of the two forms, namely, potential or kinetic. The stored energy is potential energy. It can be converted to kinetic energy, which is known as the energy of motion.

Explanation of Solution

First law of thermodynamics: It states that in the universe, the energy level is constant, which means energy cannot be created or destroyed. The energy can be converted from one form to another.

Second law of thermodynamics: This law states that the closed system normally moves in the direction of increasing entropy or disorder.

Expert Solution
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Summary Introduction

To explain: The paradox that the living system seems to violate the second law of thermodynamics because a high degree of organization is maintained by the living things despite a universal trend in the direction of increasing disorganization.

Explanation of Solution

Living systems are not a closed system. They are open systems. The living things maintain their organization as well as increase it, as during the animal development from egg to adult. They get their energy from their surroundings and therefore, they are not subject to the second law of thermodynamics.

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