IB ESS | 1.

3 Energy and Equilibria

VOCABULARY SHEET
Add a definition or description for each word or phrase.

Word/Phrase Definition/Description
The first law of thermodynamics is the law of conversion of energy. This means that
First law of energy can neither be created or destroyed, it can only change from one form to
thermodynamics another.

The second law of thermodynamics is the increase of a system in random(entropy).

Second law of
thermodynamics

Entropy means the increase of a measure in a system in random.

Entropy

A stable equilibrium refer to when a system returns to its original state after a
disturbance for example an ecosystem.
Stable equilibrium

steady state equilibrium refers to a system that has many changes over time.
Steady-state Most living things or an ecosystem are usually an example of a steady state
equilibrium equilibrium.

Negative feedback refers to a type of feedback that neutralize a system and helps
Negative in returning to the original state of equilibrium.
feedback

A positive feedback is a type of feedback where changes in the system are

Positive feedback amplified and keeps it going in the same direction.

Resilience is the ability of a system to return to its initial state after a disturbance.
Resilience

After following a disturbance and a system is unable to return to its state as it has
pushed past equilibrium. It will adopt and create a new equilibrium altogether
Tipping point called tipping point.