Topic 1.3 Thermodynamics
Significant Ideas
Big questions:
- The laws of thermodynamics govern the flow of energy in a system and the ability to do work
- Systems can exist in alternative stable states or as equilibria between which there are tipping points
- Destabilizing position feedback mechanisms will drive systems toward these tipping points, whereas stabilizing negative feedback mechanisms will resist such changes
Big questions:
- What strengths and weaknesses of the systems approach and the use of models have been revealed through this topic
- How are the issues addressed in this topic of relevance to sustainability or sustainable development?
- The principle of conservation of energy can be modeled by the energy transformations along food chains and energy production systems: what are the strengths and limitations for such models?
- How do the delays involved in feedback loops make it difficult to predict tipping points and add to the complexity of modelling systems?
- Do the benefits of the models used to predict tipping points outweigh their limitations?
- How does sustainability reduce the change that tipping points will be reached?
thermodynamics.ppt | |
File Size: | 5850 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Task 1: Complete the simulation
Task 2: Energy in the atmosphere
Complete a data collection and analysis task on the laws of thermodynamics in the atmosphere.
Complete a data collection and analysis task on the laws of thermodynamics in the atmosphere.