Use the first and second laws of thermodynamics to explain w

Use the first and second laws of thermodynamics to explain why each ecosystem needs a continuous supply of solar energy.

Solution

First Law of Thermodynamics - Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed. It can only change from one form to another

Second Law of Thermodynamics - During the change in the form of energy (Transformation) some energy is lost in the form of heat

These two laws help us understand the energy supply in the ecosystem.

Sun is the ultimate source of energy for life on earth and thus the integral part of the ecosystem

Plants are the producers of the ecosystem they use light energy from the sun to form food for the next tropic level, here the plants utilize chlorophyll to convert light energy from the sun to chemical energy in the form of food. Hence stating the importance of sun in the continuity of life in the ecosystem.

The energy obtained from sun passes through various tropic levels of the ecosystem, in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics during the transfer of energy from one tropic level to another about 10% energy is lost, this is known as the \"Ten percent law of ecosystem\".. Thus for the system to be have sufficient energy for all it\'s tropic level it needs constant supply of energy.