Energy and Matter on Earth Earth as a System

A System “An organized group of related objects or components that interact to create a whole ” is a system. (Textbook, p. 33) In an open system – matter comes and goes and so does energy. In a closed system – only energy enters and leaves.

Matter on the Earth The amount of matter on Earth changes in two ways: Meteors and rocks fall onto Earth from space Light gases (hydrogen & helium) float off Mostly, the amount doesn’t change much. Earth is pretty much a closed system.

Matter and Energy Matter = anything that has mass and takes up space. Energy = the ability to change state or do work.

Law of Conservation of Matter Matter cannot be created or destroyed. Nothing goes poof!

Energy Laws Three Laws of Thermodynamics You can’t win. You can’t break even. You can’t get out of the game.

First Law – You Can’t Win Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Second Law – You Can’t Break Even Energy is always lost as heat. OR Disorder always increases.

Third Law – You can’t get out of the game At absolute zero, matter is perfectly ordered and everything stops moving.

Engineering needs Energy