

It states that this total amount of energy is constant. The first law of thermodynamics deals with the total amount of energy in the universe. The laws of thermodynamics govern the transfer of energy in and among all systems in the universe. Like all things in the physical world, energy is subject to the laws of physics. Energy exchanges between them and their surroundings, as they consume energy-storing molecules and release energy to the environment by doing work.

A closed system is one that cannot transfer energy to its surroundings.īiological organisms are open systems. The stovetop system is open because it can lose heat into the air. An open system is one in which energy can transfer between the system and its surroundings. There are two types of systems: open and closed. Energy transfers within the system (between the stove, pot, and water). For instance, when heating a pot of water on the stove, the system includes the stove, the pot, and the water. The matter and its environment relevant to a particular case of energy transfer are classified as a system, and everything outside that system is the surroundings. Thermodynamics refers to the study of energy and energy transfer involving physical matter.

