Question

In: Physics

A very interesting comparison is that between a thermal engine and living systems, say us. Thermal...

A very interesting comparison is that between a thermal engine and living systems, say us. Thermal engines operate under a temperature gradient, as a vapor locomotive, whereas we are essentially isothermal systems. Also, the second law of thermodynamics establishes that the entropy of the universe increases in any spontaneous process, eventually leading to equilibrium.
Discuss the following aspects in qualitative terms:
a. What is the source of useful work in biological systems?
b. How do we maintain steady state?
c. Are there biological processes that occur reducing entropy? If the answer is yes, how do we reconcile this fact with the second law of thermodynamics

Solutions

Expert Solution

(a)

Finding the source of useful work in biological systems

We know that the major source of energy is sun for the ecosystem and living organisms as they are part of producers.

i.e., plants and cyano bacteria they uses the energy which comes from sunlight for making the organic matter from co 2 and H 2 o. This is the source of useful work in biological systems

(b)

How do we maintain steady state

In the form of nutrients, living things maintains a steady state by energy input, in which it is broken dawn during catabolism which generates the required energy

(C)

Are there biological processes that occur reducing entropy

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time.

It’s surroundings and the total entropy of a system remains constant

i.e., ideal cases where the system is in thermodynamic equilibrium

(OR)

(c)

According to Second law of thermodynamics the total entropy of a system either increases or remains constant in any process , it never decreases.

E g:-AS we know that the heat transfer cannot occur very spontaneously from cold to hot, as reason is because due to entropy would decrease


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