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Biology / Unit 3   Bio 0504 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The First Law of Thermodynamics

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The idea

The first law of thermodynamics holds the universe's total energy constant — energy transfers and transforms but is never created or destroyed.

In practice

A plant does not create energy from sunlight; it transforms light energy into the chemical energy stored in a sugar molecule.

Where people slip

This law governs transformation and transfer only — not how efficiently a transfer proceeds.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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