613420
ECS2606
ASSIGNMENT 1 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE DATE: 14 March 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than 14 March 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss the implications of the first and second law of thermodynamics for the processes
of production and consumption in the economy. [10]
Answer:
The first and second laws of thermodynamics have significant implications for the processes
of production and consumption in the economy.
First Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Energy):
• Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
• Total energy input into an economic system must equal total energy output.
• Emphasizes importance of efficiency in resource utilization.
• Highlights finite nature of energy resources, necessitating transition to renewable energy
sources.
Second Law of Thermodynamics (Law of Entropy):
• Total entropy of a closed system always increases over time.
• Energy tends to disperse and become more chaotic with use.
• Leads to energy loss, waste heat, pollution, and environmental degradation.
ECS2606
ASSIGNMENT 1 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE DATE: 14 March 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than 14 March 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss the implications of the first and second law of thermodynamics for the processes
of production and consumption in the economy. [10]
Answer:
The first and second laws of thermodynamics have significant implications for the processes
of production and consumption in the economy.
First Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Energy):
• Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
• Total energy input into an economic system must equal total energy output.
• Emphasizes importance of efficiency in resource utilization.
• Highlights finite nature of energy resources, necessitating transition to renewable energy
sources.
Second Law of Thermodynamics (Law of Entropy):
• Total entropy of a closed system always increases over time.
• Energy tends to disperse and become more chaotic with use.
• Leads to energy loss, waste heat, pollution, and environmental degradation.
