Two basic processes must occur in an ecosystem: A cycling of chemical elements. Flow of energy. Energy flows through systems while materials circulate around systems.

Flow of Energy Thermodynamics is the study of the energy transformations that occur in a system. It is the study of the flow of energy through nature. Within a system energy cannot be re-used.

1st Law of Thermodynamics States that energy can be transferred and transformed, but it CANNOT be created nor destroyed. Law of Conservation of Energy. Energy of the universe is constant.

2nd Law of Thermodynamics States that every transformation results in a reduction of the FREE ENERGY (useable energy). Energy transfers and transformations increase ENTROPY (disorder, randomness or chaos). Law of Entropy. Energy always tends to go from a more usable (higher quality) form to a less usable (lower quality) form.

Any conversion is less than 100% efficient and therefore some energy is lost or wasted. Usually this energy is lost in the form of HEAT (= random energy of molecular movement). Solar energy Waste heat Chemical (photosynthesis) (food) Mechanical (moving, thinking, living)

Only 25% of chemical “E” stored in gasoline is transformed in to motion of the car and 75% is lost as heat!!

Without adding energy to a system, the system will break down .