All thermodynamic processes are driven by a difference in temperature. Both a campfire and a living cell break complex molecules into simpler molecules with lower chemical energy. The fire releases this energy as radiant thermal energy which vaporizes more fuel to keep the fire going. Convection resulting from heating of the air carries away both the chemical and thermal wastes. Cellular respiration is the same chemical process happening at a much slower rate. The difference is that a cell captures a small portion of this energy in the form of a molecule called ATP before releasing thermal and chemical wastes to the environment.

Explain the processes that occur at the continental or even planetary scale. These processes are not typically thought of as "Heat Engines" but work on the same principles. Each is interesting in its own right, while the change in scale helps demonstrate how thermodynamic processes play a major role throughout the natural world.

Research the process below, explain each of the following:

1.    What are the typical values of temperatures associated with the hot and cold reservoirs?

2.    What form does the flow of thermal energy take in your physical system?

3.    Is this thermal energy carried by mass? If so in what form does the flow of mass appear in your system?

4.    Identify any work which is done during the process.

5.    Provide an analysis of thermodynamic efficiency related to the assigned process.

Tropical storm and hurricane formation. Include the difference in thermal energy between the surface of the hot humid tropical oceans and the upper atmosphere. How much work is done in lifting water vapor into the upper atmosphere?

pur-new-sol

Related Questions