Which quantity is conserved?

  • Thread starter logit167
  • Start date
In summary, conservation of quantity is the principle that certain quantities remain constant in a closed system. It is important in science for making predictions and understanding the laws of nature. Examples of conserved quantities include mass, energy, momentum, charge, and angular momentum. The conservation of a specific quantity in a system can be determined by analyzing the physical laws and principles governing it. A conserved quantity cannot be lost or gained in a closed system, only transferred or transformed into another form while maintaining a constant total amount.
  • #1
logit167
2
0

Homework Statement


Which of the following quantities is conserved?
1) Energy
2) Heat
3) Entropy
4) Force

The Attempt at a Solution



I would believe that the energy is conserved. I don't know about Entropy, can some explain that in simple terms for me. Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Hi logit167,

What do the laws of thermodynamics say about entropy?
 
  • #3


I can confirm that energy is indeed a conserved quantity. This means that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be converted from one form to another. This principle is known as the law of conservation of energy.

Entropy, on the other hand, is not a conserved quantity. It is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. Entropy can increase or decrease depending on the processes occurring in a system, and it is always increasing in isolated systems. This is known as the second law of thermodynamics.

In summary, while energy is conserved, entropy is not. It is important to understand the difference between these two concepts in order to accurately describe and predict the behavior of physical systems.
 

1. What is conservation of quantity?

Conservation of quantity refers to the principle that certain quantities, such as mass, energy, or momentum, are always conserved or remain constant in a closed system.

2. Why is conservation of quantity important in science?

Conservation of quantity is important in science because it allows us to make predictions and understand the behavior of systems. It also helps us to identify and understand the laws of nature.

3. What are some examples of conserved quantities?

Some examples of conserved quantities include mass, energy, momentum, charge, and angular momentum.

4. How can we determine which quantity is conserved in a system?

We can determine which quantity is conserved in a system by analyzing the physical laws and principles that govern that system. In most cases, there will be a specific equation or principle that describes the conservation of a certain quantity.

5. Can a conserved quantity ever be lost or gained in a system?

No, a conserved quantity cannot be lost or gained in a closed system. It can only be transferred or transformed into another form, but the total amount will always remain constant.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
270
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
820
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
796
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
821
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
174
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
368
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
354
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
24
Views
1K
Back
Top